Arsenal publishes first Social and Economic Impact Report

The club committed to reaching net zero by 2040 when it signed up to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework four years; it was the first Premier League club to do so.

By 2030, the club has committed to reducing Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% compared to 2021 levels, and reducing the intensity of Scope 3 emissions by 52%. By 2040, Arsenal has pledged to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to 2021 levels, and lower the intensity of Scope 3 emissions by 97%.

To ensure transparency and accountability in line with SBTi standards, Arsenal will publish an annual report on its progress.

More specifically, in line with SBTi standards, Arsenal will continue to focus on reducing and decarbonising energy consumption across Emirates Stadium, Sobha Realty Training Centre, the club’s academy Hale End and its offices. Additionally, it will look to reduce emissions from travel and transport, including club travel, employee commuting and the delivery of products sold through Arsenal Direct. Action will also be taken to inspire supporters to choose lower carbon travel options.

Goals are also in place to minimise waste and improve recycling, including matchday waste and water usage, while the club will also work with suppliers and partners to set decarbonisation targets and reduce emissions from goods and services, products and licensed products such as kit.

Earlier this week, the club also published its first Economic and Social Impact Report for the 2022-23 season.

Key environmental initiatives and achievements included the reduction of 20,000 single-use plastic cups per game and 150,000 single-use plastic water bottles thanks to refill stations; hand sorting matchday waste after every game; all Arsenal Adidas match kits being made from 100% recycled materials; almost 30,000 trees planted at Arsenal’s training centre; the installation of automated LED lighting across all club sites and more.

Arsenal also supported 4,400 UK jobs and reached more than 14,000 people through its community projects, thanks to successful initiatives from Arsenal in the Community and The Arsenal Foundation such as the Positive Futures Programme. This initiative marked its 20th anniversary this year and combines football, sporting activities, mentoring and pathways into community volunteering and employment in local areas.

The club fully integrated British Sign Language (BSL) into all Emirates Stadium home game pitch side shows and all club content, celebrated 10 years of Gay Gooners and launched the Jewish Gooners supporter group, and delivered a ‘Respect for All’ curriculum across all academy age groups.

Further key findings from the report demonstrated that Arsenal delivered £616m in economic value to the UK economy, with £425m contributed in its home borough of Islington in North London. The club also helped to generate £228m in UK tax revenue, while more than 1.6 million people visited Emirates Stadium.

The report was delivered by accounting and consulting company EY.

“Arsenal brings so much to our community beyond the football we play. Creating a sense of belonging and driving progress in our communities has been central to who we are since we were established in 1886. We cherish that heritage and the positive impact we continue to make,” commented Richard Garlick, Arsenal’s Managing Director.

“We are proud to publish our first Economic and Social impact report today. EY’s independent analysis shows the economic contribution that we make to the local and national economy, delivering £616million of economic value to the UK.”

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