News article
FC Barcelona unveils first Sustainability Report
FC Barcelona, the Spanish LaLiga football giant, has presented the first edition of its Sustainability Report, which details the actions taken during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.
Sustainability was introduced as one of the three pillars within the club’s Strategic Plan 2021-2026.
Barcelona’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been guided through the GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) or ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) indicators. To kickstart its efforts in being more sustainable, the club initiated its first such analysis in the history of the club.
The process was to identify material issues in relation to economic, social, governance and environmental impact. Upon publishing the results, a series of strategic, operational and functional pillars will support the club’s sustainability plan.
Initially, Barcelona achieved two Biosphere certifications, which recognised that both the club and its museum have developed their goods and services according to a responsible model for society and the environment. Related to this, the club was also awarded BREEAM certification for the Espai Barça project – which includes the ongoing redevelopment of the Camp Nou stadium – recognising efforts for sustainable urban development.
Acting on its social goals, Barça has also upped its promotion of its women’s professional teams to grow visibility, and updated its Code of Ethics during the two seasons to introduce significant improvements.
The club has further participated in the Global Sustainability Benchmark in Sports; within the scope of circular economy, four collections of materials have been taken from the club’s facilities to be given a second life. LED bulbs have been installed to reduce electricity consumption, and facilities have been powered by 100% renewable energy.
Future steps outlined by the club include the calculation of its CO2 footprint, the recovery of the concrete of the third stand of the demolished Camp Nou to recycle it and convert it into concrete for the construction of Espai Barça. Elsewhere, the club will continue to implement measures for energy savings, as well as water and waste reduction.