Forest Green Rovers' Sustainable Initiatives: Leading the Way in Green Football

Forest Green Rovers (FGR) a British Professional football club is the World’s first UN certified carbon-neutral football club. It is also the only club to have Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) accreditation. Beyond its reputation as the world's first vegan football club, FGR has earned FIFA's distinction as the greenest football club in 2017. This accolade stems from their holistic approach to sustainability, encompassing various facets of their operations listed below:

Key Sustainability Pillars:

FGR's sustainability efforts revolve around four core pillars: Energy, Transport, Food, and Nature. These pillars form the foundation of their comprehensive approach to minimizing their environmental impact and setting a new standard for environmentally responsible sports club.

Renewable Energy Implementation:
Solar panels, strategically placed at the entrance and the EESI Stand, generate approximately 20% of the club's annual electricity requirements. EESI is stadium sponsor and a leading supplier of specialist building services including electrical installations, fire and security systems, heating, air conditioning, ventilation, data cable networking, technical testing and 24/7 support.  Complementing this, LED technology powers the scoreboard and pitch boards, with solar-charged batteries providing additional energy support. To round out their commitment to renewable energy, “Ecotricity”- a British Green Energy Company, supplies FGR with carbon-neutral gas and supplementary renewable electricity.

Travel Emissions Reduction:
Recognizing the environmental impact associated with travel, FGR has taken proactive measures to curb emissions. Likewise, the Academy players opt for an electric minibus for their daily commute. For fans, the club facilitates group travel for away games while diligently working to offset the carbon emissions generated during coach journeys. Moreover, sustainable travel options, including park & ride facilities, cycle parking, and electric vehicle charging points, are readily available to attendees during home games, promoting eco-conscious travel choices.

Natural Conservation Efforts:
FGR's with their organic pitch, which efficiently conserves rainwater for irrigation. Innovative water cleaning processes from away fans' toilets directly benefit the pitch. The pitch maintenance is carried out by a solar-powered robotic lawnmower equipped with GPS technology. This reduces the reliance on traditional, fuel-powered equipment and lowers the environmental impact of maintaining the playing surface. The entire site is managed without the use of chemicals or pesticides, while efforts to support pollinators are evident in the planting of wildflower seeds and the introduction of a bee hive.
FGR's commitment to sustainability extends to its culinary offerings. Partnering with local and global brands like Stroud Brewery, Quorn, and Oatly, the club provides a diverse and entirely vegan menu. To further reduce waste, FGR has introduced a wash-and-reuse system for cups and chip trays.

Sustainable Kits:

The club's kits are made from eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, recycled polyester, coffee grounds. Using sustainable materials in the production of team kits helps minimize the environmental footprint associated with traditional manufacturing processes.
Club has collaborated with ‘Biopak’, an award-winning plant-based compostable packaging company to replace single-use plastics in the stadium. This initiative aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste generated during matchdays and other events, promoting a more sustainable approach to stadium operations.

Carbon Footprint Tracking and Reduction:
FGR's commitment to transparency is underscored by its decade-long practice of measuring its carbon footprint, resulting in ISO1400 certification. Despite increased demand, the club successfully reduced its carbon footprint by 12% compared to the pre-COVID 2018/19 season. Furthermore, FGR assesses emissions on a per-fan basis, further emphasizing its dedication to accountability.
Looking ahead, FGR has set ambitious goals, committing to a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 as part of their UN initiative.
Waste Cooking Oil Recycling: Waste cooking oil is recycled into biofuel. This practice helps in repurposing waste materials and contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions associated with traditional fuel sources.

FGR Community:
Beyond the football pitch, FGR's commitment to sustainability extends into the community through FGR Community, the charitable branch of Forest Green Rovers FC. Operating under the Green Britain Foundation, a registered charity, FGR Community leverages the power of football to educate, motivate, and inspire.
Key Themes of FGR Community:
FGR Community focuses on three key environmental sustainability themes:

Environment and Sustainability: Through their schools program, FGR Community shares knowledge and practices about sustainability, covering topics ranging from green energy to vegan food preparation.
Sport and Recreation: They actively encourage people of all ages and abilities to engage in sport as part of a healthy lifestyle. This includes offering activities like football tournaments, holiday camps, and training sessions at local schools.
Education and Employability: FGR Community uses sports and their environmental focus to educate, motivate, and inspire visitors. They offer a range of educational programs, events, and activities to help individuals reach their potential while considering their impact on the community and environment.

Tailored Educational Experiences:
The FGR Community team, with expertise in football, fitness, and environmental sustainability, designs educational experiences tailored for various age groups and educational settings.
Support for Local Schools:
FGR offers a range of programs and activities to support local schools:
Fit2Last Program: This interactive program educates primary school children on the importance of fitness and a sustainable, healthy diet. Sessions align with the National Curriculum and cover various subjects, making them adaptable for secondary school classes.
Bespoke Sessions for Local Schools: FGR is flexible in customizing learning sessions to meet the specific needs of schools or colleges. These sessions can be conducted in assembly, class, or group formats and cover a range of topics, including values and ethos, environmental awareness, energy conservation, resilience, and diversity.
Making Matchday Food: This program centers on food, healthy eating, and the vegan lifestyle, incorporating practical cooking elements. Participants also have the opportunity to engage with the club chef, Jade Crawford, in cooking and hospitality sessions.

Eco Trail:
Before every home match, FGR offers Eco Trails, allowing attendees to explore the environmentally friendly features of the stadium. This interactive experience educates visitors about the sustainable elements integrated into the stadium's design and operation.

EcoPark:
Eco Park located at Eastington, Gloucestershire, UK aims to be the world's most eco-friendly stadium. Approved by Stroud District Council in December 2019, the architectural designs, crafted by the renowned Zaha Hadid design firm, seamlessly blend modern aesthetics with sustainable materials, particularly wood.
Situated in a landscaped area, Eco Park will have a capacity for 5,000 spectators and offer extensive parking for up to 1,700 vehicles. The landscape will be enriched with the planting of approximately 500 trees and 1.8 kilometers of hedgerows to promote biodiversity. Charging stations for electric vehicles and bicycles will be available, further supporting sustainable transportation.
Eco Park represents a milestone in FGR's dedication to green initiatives, prioritizing sustainability in building design, layout, and energy consumption. The development will not only offer much-needed new residences in Gloucestershire but also contribute to the community's wellbeing and environmental consciousness.