Sustainability in Sports: challenges, best practices, and a game-changer approach
- Samy Strola
- Feb 25
- 5 min read
The sports industry is at a crossroads. While it has the power to inspire millions and bring communities together, it is also a significant contributor to environmental degradation. From high-energy stadiums to single-use plastics, from carbon-intensive travel to unsustainable apparel, the sports sector must rethink its approach to ensure a greener future.
This blog article delves into the challenges of making sports more sustainable, why urgent action is necessary, showcases leading initiatives, and outlines a transformative approach for the future.
The challenges of sustainability in sports
Sports leave a profound environmental footprint, with some of the key issues including:
Massive Carbon emissions: Large sporting events, such as the FIFA World Cup or the Olympic Games, require vast energy resources, extensive international travel, and massive logistics operations, leading to high carbon emissions. A study by PwC suggests that sports contribute 30-50 million tons of CO₂ annually, equivalent to the emissions of an entire country like Portugal.
Unsustainable infrastructure: Stadiums and sports venues consume enormous amounts of energy and water. Many older venues were not designed with sustainability in mind, leading to inefficiencies in resource use.
Waste generation: Single-use plastics, food waste, and discarded merchandise make major sporting events a source of landfill overflow. The Super Bowl alone produces over 60 tons of waste per event.
Unethical supply chains: From apparel manufacturing to equipment production, many sports brands rely on materials and labor practices that are environmentally and socially unsustainable.
Why the sports industry must take action
Beyond moral responsibility, there are strong incentives for the sports industry to adopt a more sustainable model:
Regulatory pressure: Governments worldwide are pushing stricter environmental policies, requiring sports organizations to comply with emissions reductions and waste management laws.
Consumer expectations: Younger generations are demanding more eco-friendly practices from brands they support. A NIQ report found that 73% of global consumers would change consumption habits to reduce their environmental impact.
Economic benefits: Sustainability initiatives can result in long-term cost savings. Energy-efficient stadiums, for example, reduce operational costs by up to 30% (Iberdrola).
Brand reputation and sponsorship: Sponsors are increasingly choosing to align with organizations that reflect their environmental and social values. Companies like Adidas and Nike are actively promoting sustainable sportswear.
Leading examples of sustainability in sports
Despite the challenges, many sports organizations are stepping up with ambitious sustainability efforts:
Forest Green Rovers (Football): Dubbed the "world’s greenest football club," this English team runs on 100% renewable energy, serves only vegan food to players and fans, and has an organic pitch free from harmful pesticides.
International Trail Running Association (Trail Running): ITRA promotes eco-responsibility in trail running, encouraging race organizers to minimize environmental impact by reducing waste, preserving biodiversity, and implementing carbon offset programs.
Formula E (Motorsport): This electric car racing series is leading the way in sustainable motorsports, using fully electric vehicles, committing to a net-zero carbon footprint, and innovating battery recycling programs.
Climate Pledge Arena (Multi-Sport Venue): Home to the NHL’s Seattle Kraken, this venue aims to be the world’s first zero-carbon arena, utilizing rainwater for ice hockey rinks and banning single-use plastics.
Aviron Bayonnais (Rugby, France): The Basque rugby club is the first professional French club with an official sustainability mission. Having invested €300,000 in eco-friendly initiatives, the club continues its green journey. Notable actions include supporters funding local tree-planting through ecocup donations and organizing waste collection along the River Nive for World Clean Up Day.
Portland Trail Blazers (Basketball, USA): Since 2005, the Trail Blazers have reduced their carbon footprint, with the MODA Center being the first US sports arena to earn LEED O+M (v4.1) platinum certification. The club targets zero waste by 2025, recycling jerseys into bags and ties, and aims to cut water use by 10% and energy use by 25%. The LIVE Greener Challenge further engages fans in daily eco-friendly practices.
Basket Lattes-Montpellier (Basketball, France): The women’s basketball club replaced the 6,000 plastic bottles consumed each season with personalized isothermal flasks for players. The initiative promotes sustainable habits among fans, especially the youth, with flasks available at the club shop.
Montreal Canadiens (Ice Hockey, Canada): Ice hockey is often considered one of the most environmentally impactful sports, but the Montreal Canadiens are determined to change that perception through their ambitious The Goal is Green program. Launched in 2007, this initiative aims to significantly reduce the club’s environmental footprint and that of its home arena, the Centre Bell. Key measures include making 95% of all utensils at the arena biodegradable and recycling 90% of old seating materials. The Canadiens have also managed to cut energy consumption at the Centre Bell by an impressive 65%, further demonstrating their commitment to sustainability. To tackle transportation emissions, the club actively encourages fans to use underground parking, promoting greener commuting options. One of the standout initiatives is Plant a Stick, where the club plants 10 trees for every hockey stick broken during games. This creative approach links on-ice action directly to positive environmental impact—resulting in the planting of 2,760 trees in a single season (2018–2019). Through these efforts, the Montreal Canadiens are proving that even the most energy-intensive sports can embrace sustainability and lead the way toward a greener future.
These initiatives highlight the growing commitment of sports clubs worldwide to sustainability. As fan expectations evolve and environmental pressures rise, more clubs, leagues, and sports brands will need to embrace eco-friendly practices, pursue carbon neutrality, and achieve sustainability certifications to secure a greener future for sports.
A game-changer approach: how sports can lead sustainability efforts
To accelerate the transition to sustainable sports, industry leaders must adopt a game-changing mindset.
Here’s how:
1. Carbon-Neutral sporting events
Sports organizations should invest in renewable energy, optimize logistics, and integrate carbon offset programs. Events like the Paris 2024 Olympics are pledging to be the most sustainable Games in history, with 100% renewable energy and a 50% lower carbon footprint than previous editions.
2. Sustainable fan engagement
Sports teams should encourage fans to participate in sustainability efforts. Initiatives such as bike-to-the-game programs, discounted public transportation tickets, and rewards for recycling at venues can create positive behavioral change.
3. Green partnerships and sponsorships
Teams and leagues should align with eco-conscious brands. The UEFA Champions League recently partnered with Just Eat Takeaway to eliminate single-use plastics at stadiums.
4. Sustainable apparel and equipment
Companies like Adidas are pioneering the use of ocean plastic in football jerseys, while Wilson has introduced eco-friendly basketballs made from sustainable materials.
5. Education and advocacy
Athletes have a powerful voice in the climate movement. Stars like Lewis Hamilton, Naomi Osaka, and Marcus Rashford actively promote environmental and social justice causes. Sports organizations should support athletes in amplifying their sustainability advocacy.
Conclusion: the future of sustainable sports
Sustainability in sports is no longer optional—it’s an urgent necessity. From grassroots movements to global mega-events, the entire ecosystem must work together to reduce its environmental impact. The sports industry has the power to inspire millions, and by leading the way in sustainability, it can create a lasting legacy for future generations.
The question is no longer “should sports become sustainable?” but rather “how fast can we make it happen?”
Let’s make sure the answer is: as fast as possible.
Sources and further reading
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