Tottenham Hotspur Gets Set For Net Zero Carbon Football Game

Tottenham Hotspur have partnered with Sky to host the world’s first net zero carbon game at elite level. The fixture against Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is supported by COP26 and the Premier League, and will be branded #GameZero, with the ambition of being net zero carbon.

The club, Sky and the UK Government want the game to raise awareness of the threat of climate change and inspire football fans to make simple changes that will help reduce their carbon footprint.

Tottenham Hotspur Chairman, Daniel Levy, said: “We are delighted to be the chosen partner of Sky on this ground-breaking initiative that will demonstrate the role our game can play in addressing the urgent issue of climate change.

“As the Premier League’s greenest club, Tottenham Hotspur is passionate about our planet – we look forward to showcasing our wide range of sustainable measures that are already in place and encouraging our fans to take simple actions that can make a huge difference.”

#GameZero will demonstrate the green steps that fans, the sporting world, and broadcasters can take to work towards a zero-carbon future. Sky is a Principal Partner and Media Partner to COP26 and has committed to be net zero carbon by 2030, cutting its own emissions and those made by customers using its products, by 50% over the next decade.

For the Chelsea match to be net zero, the club and Sky will work to minimise emissions from matchday activity such as energy used to power the game, travel to and from the stadium for both fans and clubs, and dietary choices at the stadium.

Hundreds of individuals involved in the game – from Sky Sports’ producers to the  stadium chefs – are working to making #GameZero happen.

COP26 President-Designate Alok Sharma, said: “Climate change affects every aspect of our lives, including the sports that we love to watch and play.

“We can all take steps to help protect the planet for future generations, including in major sporting events. That is why I am delighted COP26 is working with Sky, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and the Premier League to show how football is going One Step Greener by hosting the world’s first major net zero football match.”

Tottenham Hotspur will be encouraging fans attending the Chelsea match to take sustainable actions on the day, including:

Using public transport – the club has driven significant investment in its local transport infrastructure with the stadium served by four train stations and a free matchday shuttle bus. Recent analysis has shown that the Club is close to achieving its target of no more than 23% of supporters travelling by private car on matchdays

Cycling to the match – the club has provision for up to 180 bikes to be parked at St Francis De Sales School and Tottenham Community Sports Centre, with our security policy allowing for equipment such as helmets, puncture kits and removable seats to be taken into the stadium

Choosing a plant-based food option – all food served inside the stadium is locally and sustainably sourced, with plant-based options available across all outlets and in Premium areas

Recycling waste – the club has a ‘zero to landfill’ waste management programme, with clear recycling instructions for fans on its bins, as well as a reusable beer cup scheme

The club’s squad will travel to the match by coach to reduce the number of car movements, and as the away team, Chelsea will also be asking all their staff to travel across London sustainably.

Both sets of players will head to the stadium on a coach that is running on biofuel, which is a form of renewable diesel produced from food waste products and reduces carbon emissions significantly. The players from both teams will also be drinking water on the day from cartons provided by Spurs, as opposed to plastic bottles.

For those emissions which remain, Sky is working with Natural Capital Partners to restore natural carbon sinks which remove emissions from the atmosphere, by supporting a community reforestation in East Africa, and creating new UK native woodlands to support the UK’s net zero objectives. The club and Sky will also plant trees locally to the stadium later this year.

Image: @TottenhamHotspur