Brighton & Hove Albion’s values are a key driver in them wanting to lead “by example” when it comes to sustainability.
The Seagulls have been taking action to reduce their environmental impact and drive positive change, both locally and on a larger scale, for a number of years.
This was brought together into one focused strategy last year when they introduced MyAlbion, MyPlanet and signed up to the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework – an initiative that aims at supporting and guiding sports bodies and organisations in achieving global climate change goals.
“We set out how we would achieve our vision of becoming one of the most sustainable clubs in world football and achieving our emissions reductions targets,” the club’s sustainability manager, Tom Harris, told BBC Sport.
“It sets out our two key missions – one, to reduce the environmental impacts from the club, and two, to inspire others, whether that is fans, our communities or our commercial partners and suppliers, to make their own positive changes as well.
“We are looking at both the environmental impacts from the club’s facilities, operations and supply chain, as well as the positive impacts the club has made, particularly around biodiversity, culture and community.
“We wanted a strategy that supports the work across all areas of the club as sustainability touches on every department.”
Brighton’s sustainability strategy has six focus areas – energy and water, travel and transport, waste, supply chain, biodiversity and culture and community.
Some of the initiatives the club have implemented include solar panels at the training ground and their new fan zone The Terrace, free transport options for fans, use of local food suppliers, environmental education in the academy and with the foundation, upcycling unusable shirts into new products and, going forwards, calculating the club’s carbon footprint.
“We have got a strong set of values and these values are the foundation of everything we do, including our sustainability work,” Harris added.
“One of our key values is treating people well and, for me, that necessitates treating the planet well too.
“Even before I joined, the club had implemented a range of sustainability initiatives, primarily because they were the right thing to do. We’ve got very forward-thinking and progressive leadership who have always recognised the importance of environmental and social issues.
“This is coming down from the top of the club. We are committed to acting as a responsible business and leading by example in this in this area.”
Come back later on Wednesday for more on Brighton’s sustainability journey
Read the full article here