Tottenham Hotspur's Pioneering Eco Initiatives: A Comprehensive Review

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, a prominent figure in English football, has committed itself to minimizing the environmental impact of its operations. This encompasses a wide range of initiatives and practices aimed at reducing the club's ecological footprint. From the training ground to the stadium, Tottenham Hotspur has adopted a comprehensive approach to sustainability.

2009: The Birth of Sustainability

In 2009, Tottenham Hotspur took a significant step towards sustainability by becoming a founding member of the 10:10 initiative. This initiative called upon various entities, including businesses and organizations, to strive for a 10% reduction in their emissions by the end of 2010. This early commitment laid the foundation for the club's journey towards environmental responsibility.

UN Sports for Climate Action Framework

In January 2021, Tottenham Hotspur became a signatory of the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework. This framework serves as a guiding force for sports organizations globally, providing a roadmap to achieve climate change goals. By aligning with this framework, the club acknowledges the significant impact that the sports sector has on climate change and commits to working towards climate neutrality for a safer planet.

Scope 3 Emissions: A Comprehensive Assessment (2021-2022)

Recognizing the significance of Scope 3 emissions, which encompass a company's entire value chain, Tottenham Hotspur conducted an assessment which revealed that these indirect emissions accounted for over 90% of the club's total greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding these emissions is crucial in identifying areas for targeted reduction efforts. 

Race to Zero: Ambitious Goals

The club has set ambitious targets in line with the UN Race to Zero initiative. Tottenham Hotspur has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by half by 2030 and aims to achieve net-zero carbon status by 2040. 

Count Us In: Mobilizing for Climate Action

As a founding partner of “Count Us In” (a global movement of people and organizations taking high impact steps to address climate change), Tottenham Hotspur plays a pivotal role in a global movement aimed at mobilizing people to take practical steps to combat climate change. This initiative seeks to inspire citizens worldwide to protect the environment from carbon pollution through 16 impactful and actionable measures.

BASIS Membership: Championing Sustainability in Sport

Through its membership in the British Association for Sustainable Sport (BASIS), Tottenham Hotspur joins a community dedicated to advancing sustainability in the realm of sports in the UK. BASIS has played a crucial role in driving understanding, expertise, and commitment to sustainability in sport for over a decade.

Pioneering Sustainable Change: Products of Change (POC)

Tottenham Hotspur has taken a pioneering step by becoming the first sports team to join Products of Change (POC). This global educational hub is focused on driving sustainable change across consumer product markets and beyond. By participating in this initiative, the club aligns itself with a community of brands, innovators, and experts committed to promoting sustainability in their respective businesses.

Zero Waste: A Commitment to Recycling

The club has adopted a waste management policy that works towards no waste ends up in landfills. Fans are actively encouraged to participate in this endeavor by making the simple yet impactful choice of using the correct bins at the stadium for disposal. By segregating waste into General Waste and Dry Mixed Recycling, supporters contribute to the club's mission of a more sustainable stadium. After matches, the Dry Mixed Recycling bins undergo a process at a nearby Material Recovery Facility in Edmonton. During this process, the waste is sorted to create high-quality, single-stream materials. These materials are then compressed into bales and forwarded to companies for re-processing.

Reducing Single-Use Plastics: A Comprehensive Approach

Tottenham Hotspur leads the way in reducing its single-use plastic footprint. From reusable cup schemes to eliminating plastic straws, stirrers, and cutlery, the club has implemented a range of initiatives to phase out single-use plastics from its operations. Some of the measures stadium has undertaken are as follows: 

• Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is the UK's pioneer in using a 'Keg Cap Collection Service'. Managed by the Reusable Cup Company, this process collects used keg caps and cups after matches. The caps are recycled into new products, reducing plastic waste by over 100kg per season. Additionally, old cups are repurposed, each providing material for six new keg caps.
• Utilizes wooden stirrers, cutlery, and paper straws instead of plastic equivalents across concourse areas.
• Players use water cartons instead of plastic bottles during matches, and refillable bottles during training sessions.
• Jerseys worn by players and sold to fans are made from 100% recycled polyester fabric, made from recycled plastic bottles.
• The stadium provides accessible water fountains throughout general admission concourses to encourage sustainable hydration.
• Offers multi-use, reusable drawstring bags for purchase at retail outlets for £1.
• Fans can choose from a range of Retro Hangers, which are eco-friendly and 100% plastic-free, made from FSC-certified cellulose-based material.

Innovations in Clean Energy

The club has achieved a remarkable milestone by attaining 100% certified renewable energy, eliminating Scope 2 emissions. This achievement is made possible through the provision of REGO-backed electricity and carbon neutral gas by Brook Green Supply. The incorporation of energy-efficient technologies, including LED lighting and high-efficiency building systems, further contributes to the reduction of energy consumption.

Promoting Sustainable Transportation

Tottenham Hotspur has developed a more sustainable transport plan for both fans and staff. The stadium is designed to be a Public Transport Destination, with various improvements and services to encourage the use of public transportation. Some of the amenities provided by the stadium are as follows: 

• Service enhancements, new shuttle bus, regional coach services, improved pedestrian connections, real-time travel info points, and clear signage
• Regular transport updates via Club website, matchday programmes, and direct communication to fans
• Installation of new bike racks around the stadium, encouraging cycling on matchdays
• 'Cycle To Work' scheme launched for staff in partnership with Cycle Solutions
• Additional bike racks installed at Club offices.

• Availability of electric vehicle charging stations across Club sites.

By offering amenities such as bike racks and charging stations for electric vehicles, the club actively supports eco-friendly modes of transport.

Biodiversity and Ecological Management

The Club undertook extensive ecological initiatives, including the planting of hundreds of new and semi-mature trees, along with tens of thousands of plants, hedges, and flowers at its Training Centre. This effort was complemented by the establishment of a Wildflower Meadow, contributing to the creation of a thriving ecological habitat.

Within the conservation area of the Training Centre, two new wildlife ponds were introduced, along with the addition of 25 bug hotels and numerous bat houses. The attenuation pond was enhanced not only for its practical function but also transformed into a natural wetland and intermittent wetland habitat, featuring extra ponds and enriched wildlife.

• Further ecological enhancements were implemented at the Player Accommodation Lodge:
• Introduction of terrestrial habitats to encourage biodiversity.
• Creation of an aquatic habitat to safeguard Great Crested Newts
• Thoughtful lighting to minimize light pollution and support the proliferation of existing bat species.
• Construction of a Barn and Farmhouse designed specifically for bat habitation.
• Utilization of a local well for grounds maintenance and irrigation
• Incorporation of a green roof to foster local flora, birds, and wildlife.
• Preservation of several high-value trees
• Establishment of a designated wildlife corridor, designated as an exclusion zone for guests.
• Integration of 75 additional plant species into the site's ecology

Evaluation of the site's ecological status through reputable sources including Greenspace Information for Greater London, Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside, and the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Water Management for Sustainability

The club has implemented comprehensive water management initiatives to minimize consumption. This includes the use of waterless urinals and low-flow fittings and fixtures. At the Training Centre, a 'green roof' has been installed to harvest rainwater, contributing to water conservation efforts. Additionally, the club utilizes a drainage and extraction system with the extraction of water facilitated by boreholes, all conducted with the proper licenses and agreements in place.

Plant-Based and Low Carbon Food Options

All food deliveries to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are conducted with zero carbon emissions. Through collaboration with Reynolds, the deliveries utilize an all-electric refrigerated semi-trailer paired with an all-electric tractor unit.The refrigeration system operates on solar power, further enhancing its eco-friendly credentials. Menus across matchday food outlets include a range of vegetarian and vegan options, promoting sustainable dietary choices. The club's partnership with Riso Gallo, a brand known for sustainable rice production, further emphasis its commitment to responsible sourcing.

Stadium Microbrewery and Waste Management

Waste from the stadium's microbrewery is repurposed, creating a closed-loop system. It is used to feed pigs at a local farm, contributing to the reduction of food waste. This innovative approach demonstrates the club's dedication to sustainable practices in every aspect of its operations.

Evaluation and Reporting for Accountability

Tottenham Hotspur conducts thorough evaluations of its ecological impact, utilizing reputable sources such as Greenspace Information for Greater London, Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside, and the National Biodiversity Network Gateway. These assessments provide valuable data to track progress and ensure accountability in the club's ecological management efforts.