EPL Sustainability Table 2020

For the second time, Sport Positive has systematically collated key environmental sustainability information for every Premier League football club into a table matrix. The categories reflect the environmental impacts of putting on a football match, and initiatives that are under way at clubs, put together in an easy and digestible format.

For the 2020 update, an enhanced points system has been introduced, awarding more points to clubs that are working strategically across all club operations, that engage with fans and encourage positive behavioural change and that show long term commitment to combatting climate change. Sport Positive would like to thank Associate Professor Brian McCullough of Texas A&M University for his input to this update.

Access the updated points allocation key here

All of the clubs are on a journey and have plans or the desire to do more, with announcements expected as soon as the next couple of weeks that will change the rankings again. Keep checking back for updates on your club’s progress. We are #sportpositive.

Please scroll down for complete information on initiatives per category, and click through links to even more information. This is not currently optimised for mobile, and is best viewed on desktop. To see more in-depth information on your club, please click here.

Information correct as of 25th January 2021. 

English Premier League Sustainability Table 2020

wdt_ID Club Clean Energy Energy Efficiency Sustainable Transport Single Use Plastic Reduction or Removal Waste Management Water Efficiency Plant-based/Low-carbon Food Comms & Engagement on Sustainability Total More Info
1 1. Tottenham Hotspur (21/21) 2 pts. 100% certified renewable energy across all club operations and facilities, with REGO-backed electricity and carbon neutral gas provided to the stadium 2 pts. Building management system across all sites provided by Schneider. LED lighting (including floodlights) and high-efficiency building services systems are in place to reduce energy use 2 pts + 1 bonus point. Stadium actively promoted as ‘Public Transport Destination'. Cycle to work scheme for staff and tracks fan travel methods to stadium and reduction target of fans using private cars in place. 2 pts. Single use plastic reduction strategy across all club properties. Eliminated plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery & all plastic disposable packaging that accompanies these items. Reusable beer cup scheme in place. 2 pts. Zero waste to landfill across all club sites. 2 pts. Water efficiency strategy in place across all club properties. Waterless urinals & low-flow fittings and fixtures at Stadium. Sedum ‘green roof’ to enable capture & re-harvest rainwater at training facility. 3 pts. Plant based foods available at stadium, training facilities and staff offices. All food produce, where possible, is locally and sustainably sourced. 3 pts + 2 bonus pts. 'To Care is To Do' page on website - outlines sustainability policies. 2 bonus pts; UN Sports for Climate Action Framework signatory & active fan engagement via 'Count Us In', sustainability workshops & street clean with Gary Mabbutt 21 https://www.sportpositivesummit.com/epl-sustainability-table-spurs/
2 = 2. Arsenal (20/21) 2 pts. All sites are supplied by 100% renewable energy 2 pts. ESOS and SECR compliant, energy metering and management across all sites, commitment to Implementing, documenting and maintaining an Environmental Management System (EMS) 2 pts. Public transport venue; London Underground, train, buses and cycling advocated. EV charging points at Stadium. Cycle to work scheme for staff 2 pts. Reduction/removal strategy in place, cup deposit scheme in place, reduced 90% of plastic bottle usage at training ground 2 pts. Zero waste to landfill. Averaging 70-80% matchday waste recycling, plus donations, composting and anaerobic digestion for energy from waste 2 pts. Policy in place for water reduction. A pitch water recycling system recycled over 3m litres in 2020. 3 pts. Multiple vegan options now available on the stadium concourse, training facilities and staff operations. SRA approved restaurant. 3 pts + 2 bonus pts. Has environmental policy and sustainability page on website. Is signatory to UN Sports for Climate Action Framework (1 bonus pt). Engages fans towards positive behaviour via Arsenal Green Tariff with Octopus Energy (1 bonus pt) 20 https://www.sportpositivesummit.com/epl-sustainability-table-arsenal/
3 = 2. Brighton and Hove Albion (20/21) 2 pts. 100% powered by renewable energy across all club sites. Solar panels on training ground rooftop. Fully offset our carbon emissions in relation to gas 2 pts. Stadium and training facility are BREEAM certified 'very good. Enhanced monitoring arrangements for building management systems to enable greater energy efficiency. 2 pts + 1 bonus pt. Free bus & rail travel offered to all fans within free travel zone. Public transport, walking and cycling advocated. Subsidised bus travel scheme for staff. Working with local transport providers to track fans travel to the stadium 2 pts. Single use plastic policy in place, primarily led by catering partners Sodexo. Eliminated plastic straws, stirrers & cutlery. As part of the ‘On the ball’ campaign, provides plastic-free complimentary sanitary products to fans and female players 2 pts. Zero waste to landfill, waste management policy in place. Food waste supplied to Real Junk Food Company of Brighton and various donations to other local food banks, Green waste is disposed of at Brighton composting centre 2 pts. Water effciency strategy in place for a number of years. Waterless urinals on all public concourses, stadium water operation linked to lighting activation. Ground water recycling at training ground via pitch irrigation system 3 pts. Vegan & vegetarian options available across the concourse on match days, at training facilities and staff offices. Over 20% of food offering on a match day is vegan or vegetarian 3 pts + 1 bonus pt. Environmental statement in place and on main club website. Digital signage used to promote recycling, highlighting vegan & vegetarian items. Fan engagement towards positive behaviours with free public travel in fan zone on match days. 19 https://www.sportpositivesummit.com/epl-sustainability-table-brighton/
4 = 2. Manchester United (20/21) 2 pts. Policy to purchase certified green electricity for all club buildings and facilities. The club achieved the Carbon Trust Standard certification for a sixth consecutive year in 2020 2 pts. The Manchester United Energy & Carbon Reduction Programme has achieved a reduction in energy use in excess of 31% since its launch in 2008. Recent investment into expansion of BMS to control heating, air conditioning, lighting & power 2 pts + 1 bonus pt. Advocates public transport and cycling. Cycle to Work scheme for staff to reduce and spread the cost of purchasing a bike. Discounted ‘match day season tickets’ for Metrolink tram service (pre-covid). Fan surveys conducted. 2 pts. SUP removal policy in place. All SUP at concourse condiment stations replaced with wooden forks, stirrers & paper straws, reduction in plastic packaging in retail. Recyclable cups that are washed and returned for re-use have been introduced 2 pts. Zero waste to landfill, non-recyclables are used for energy, waste food is composted, ‘Reds Go Green’ is focused on waste and recycling 2 pts. Club monitors and reports on water use, reviewed by senior management Environmental Management Action Group quarterly. Rainwater collected at Old Trafford and used for irrigation 3 pts. Vegan option at stadium, ncreasing availability of sustainably-sourced and vegan foods in its staff canteens at Old Trafford and the AON Training Complex 3 pts + 1 bonus pt. Environment and Sustainability page on the website. Active fan engagement via Club hosting sustainability workshops at Old Trafford for students from partner schools of Manchester United Foundation 20 https://www.sportpositivesummit.com/epl-sustainability-table-manchesterunitedfc/
5 3. Manchester City(19/21) 2 pts. 100% of energy to club operations are provided with its electricity from a PPA that ensures a zero carbon footprint (externally accredited) 2pts. Energy efficiency policy in place. ESOS and SECR compliant. The Club has reduced energy consumption overall by 8%/annum for the past five years. In 2019/20 this was at 11% 2pts + 1 bonus pt. Advocates fans walking, cycling, buses to games. Club introduced ‘walk to the match’ with city centre muster points, accompanied walking routes with activation and food/drink incentives. Regular fan travel assessments. 2pts.Club removed all single use plastic from across the business in 2018/19 – this has been further developed with a phased removal of all PET plastics. Plastic packaging has been removed and being discouraged from all suppliers 2 pts. 15th year of zero waste sent to landfill via recycling, reuse and managed waste system. Working across all Club functions the stadium and facilities operations teams have set clear targets to become a zero-waste organisation 2pts. Water efficiency is embedded in all planning and development and in day-to-day and match day operations. In 2020 an additional 136,000 baths-full of water were saved via behavioural efficiencies 3pts. Plant based, locally sourced food is available across the stadium, training facilities and staff operations. The Club has vegan and vegetarian options across all its GA Concourse concessions with several dedicated vegan plant-based food units 2 pts + 1 bonus point. Section in Club’s Annual Report, no sustainability website page. Stories in club news articles, social media, across Club match days. 1 bonus pt - fan engagement towards positive behaviour via incentives for walking/cycling to games 19 https://www.sportpositivesummit.com/epl-sustainability-table-manchestercity/
6 4. Southampton (18/21) 2 pts. 100% renewable energy across stadium and training ground 2 pts. Building Management System is in place at Staplewood and the Pavilion building for heating, lighting and PIR motion sensors in many locations. All St Marys Stadium pitch floodlights are LED. 1 pt + 1 bonus pt. Public transport advocated, as well as walking and cycling, cycle rack storage at St Marys, fans surveyed in regards to transport modes used to travel to games 2 pts. SUP removal policy in place. Removed all plastic straws and cutlery from sites,14 x ‘Hydration Station’ water cooler units at training ground, reusable cup scheme for matchdays, Biodegradable carrier bags within the Saints Megastore, 2 pts. Zero waste to landfill. Increased recycling rates, Increased the provision of recycling bins and signage at Staplewood Training ground and St Mary’s Stadium offices. Battery recycling bins have been introduced to both sites.  0 pts. Club has just launched water efficiency policy, but no water saving measures in place currently - key area of focus going forward 3 pts. Club offers sustainably sourced, vegan food options across all sites; to fans on the stadium concourse for every game and hospitality and for staff across all sites. Locally sourced suppliers used for ingredients 3 pts + 2 bonus pts. Halo Effect (sustainability strategy), hosted on clubs main website. 1 bonus pt - Signatory to UN Sports for Action Framework, 1 bonus pt - active fan engagement via beach clean & Saints Voice/Fans Forum sustainability events 17 https://www.sportpositivesummit.com/epl-sustainability-table-southamptonfc/
7 5. Liverpool (17/21) 2 pts. All electricity and gas for the club’s UK operated sites is currently from renewable sources 1 pt. Energy policy in place and an energy management system is being implemented, which is due to be independently certified by end of 20/21 season. LED lighting, smart meters & energy efficient hand driers installed at Anfield 2 pts. Public transport visibly advocated, free cycle hub, walking routes signposted, casual match day staff receive free bus travel to and from work each matchday, 8 EV charging points at training ground, cycle to work scheme 1 pt. No single use plastic reduction policy in place but reusable cup scheme. Removed plastic straws & single use plastic food packaging, where possible water cans rather than plastic bottles are sold, no polystyrene boxes from fish supplier 2 pts. 99% of waste diverted from landfill and waste management policy in place. RgG target 15% reduction in waste & 20% increase in recycling annually, food waste recycled in anaerobic digester, cooking oil recycled into renewable energy 1 pt. No cross site water efficiency policy in place yet but waterless urinals, water reducing valves on concourses, kitchens & toilets, Save a Flush Bags on all toilets reducing flush by 1 litre each flush, water borehole at Academy to water the pitches 3 pts. Vegan options (Quorn partnership June 2020) at stadium and training grounds, all ingredients sourced from a 90 mile radius of Liverpool, fish sustainably source 3 pts + 2 bonus pts. Sustainability policy 'The Red Way' launched January 2021 and page on main club's website. Signatory to UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, fan engagement via players encouraging fans to do 'meat free matchdays' 17 https://www.sportpositivesummit.com/epl-sustainability-table-liverpoolfc/
8 = 6. Chelsea (14/21) 0 pts. Not currently. Looking to switch to sustainable energy suppliers when current energy provider agreement expires 2 pts. All CFC properties managed by building management system. Training facility meets 'excellent' BREEAM standard, building energy management system in place, LED lighting with proximity sensors managed centrally, waste heat is reutilised 2 pts. Public transport promoted on match days. Staff encouraged to use public transport (discounted travel), Loan system if needed to allow staff to buy bicycles for their commute. For certain away games the club provides coach and train travel 1 pt. Plastic reduction via reusable beer cups, preventing 250,000 plastic single use cups to date. Biodegradable plastic bags. working with waste provider to separate all waste once fans return hopefully in the 21-22 season 2 pts. 100% of waste is recycled at Stamford Bridge and Cobham (2010) New waste management system about to be launched, will separate waste at source and minimise waste sent to waste to energy plan (on hold due to pandemic) 2 pts. Management system in place ranging from presence detection to foaming units. Rainwater collected in reservoir at Cobham training ground, smart flush toilets, sensor taps throughout the estate 2 pts. Plant based options at stadium, not training ground. Menus include vegan & veg options, work with catering partner to ensure where poss. seasonal ingredients are sourced. CFC Express pre-order provides GA supporters with 15 vege & vegan options 3 pts. Environmental policy page on main club website 14 https://www.sportpositivesummit.com/epl-sustainability-table-chelseafc/
9 = 6. West Bromwich Albion (14/21) 2 pts. All of our electricity contracts source from green supplies. 2 pts. Environmental policy confirms that usage of all energy will be kept to a minimum with various control measures put in place. Club will continue to audit and monitor its operations via meeting requirements under ESOS and SECR 1 pt + 1 bonus pt. WBA works closely with all external travel partners ensuring that there are suitable public transportation opportunities to get to the stadium both on match. Fan travel survey done in past 12 months. 2 pts.WBA Environment policy overall aims include 'to eliminate usage of single use products’No longer use of sachets, single use stirrers. Single use cups were eliminated upto COVID. Since then biodegradable ones have been used. 1 pt. Sustainable waste management is a key element of environmental strategy. How much waste from landfill not advised to Sport Positive. 1 pt. WBA Environment Policy states 'the Club will aim to use water as efficiently as possible. Usage of all water will be kept to a minimum with various control measures put in place.' Examples given, but not verified by WBA to Sport Positive 1 pt. WBA Environmental Policy states (within the Procurement section): 'all food purchased is currently and will continue to be bought from sustainable sources e.g. fish’ 3 pts. Club has environmental policy that can be accessed via the clubs main website 15 https://www.sportpositivesummit.com/west-brom/
10 7. Everton (13.5/21) 0.5 pt. – 30.7% of energy is produced through a company where a proportion of it includes Renewable Energy from off-shore wind farms. This purchasing applies to all sites. 1 pt. ESOS compliant across all sites. LED lighting in hospitality areas, pitch perimeter boards and all upgrades since 2011, lighting motion sensors wherever possible, centrally controlled heating 2 pts. Stadium visibly advocates public transport and coaches organised, cycle to work scheme for staff, offer public transport pass loans to staff based in the Royal Liver Building, an incentive scheme to encourage car sharing 1 pt. No current club wide policy to reduce SUP, but object of 'Everton for Change' campaign. At Goodison Park, wooden cutlery & paper straws provided, individual plastic packet condiments eliminated, water stations, reusable cups on match days 2 pts. 97-98% of waste diverted from landfill, waste management plan in place. Recycle 90% of waste & waste separated at source, food waste used for anaerobic digestion, organic waste composted, battery recycling points 1 pt. No water efficiency strategy but all urinals within the stadium are waterless, those in the corporate areas controlled by proximity sensors, New kit partner hummel uses ZEROH2O technology 3 pts. Sustainably sourced, vegan food available on concourse and in stadium lounges on request, vegan options available at all club sites, as well as Everton Free school and Everton in the Community offer sustainably-produced and vegan options. 3 pts. Environmental awareness campaign 'Everton for Change' now on main club website (PM of 25/1/21 updated), some information available on club's news article. Everton for Change branding appears at games and across Club social media channels 13.5 https://www.sportpositivesummit.com/epl-sustainability-table-evertonfc/
wdt_ID Club Clean Energy Energy Efficiency Sustainable Transport Single Use Plastic Reduction or Removal Waste Management Water Efficiency Plant-based/Low-carbon Food Comms & Engagement on Sustainability Total More Info