LTA achieves majority of initial goals set out in Environmental Sustainability Plan

First published in June 2022, the LTA has reported an update on its progress towards securing a lasting future for tennis in Britain. The plan has three priority themes: climate action, resource efficiency and natural environment, with short-term goals and long-term objectives for 2030.

The LTA set 10 targets for the initial phase of its plan, with 80% of these targets having been fully achieved and the organisation well on its way to realising targets set for 2024-2026.

Across the LTA’s own facilities, there has been a 20% reduction in electricity use, and a 33% reduction in gas use at the National Tennis Center in London in 2023 compared to 2022. A further 21% of electricity use at the Nottingham Tennis Centre was generated by onsite solar panels in 2023, while water use at the National Tennis Centre has reduced by 40% since 2019.

The Cinch Championships in Eastbourne have seen a 40% reduction in general waste since 2019 and a five-tonne reduction in glass waste in 2023 compared to 2022. The LTA also said it has made some initial progress in reducing carbon emissions compared to a 2019 baseline.

“We’re pleased to have made good progress in delivering on our Environmental Sustainability Plan, launched in 2022,” said LTA Chief Executive Scott Lloyd.

“Given the scale of the climate crisis and the effects on tennis at all levels, we know it’s vital that we play our part by reducing our own impacts and working together with everyone involved in tennis to safeguard the future of our sport and the places it is played.

“We know that we can’t do this on our own, and as we move into the next phase of our plan, we are committed to working with everyone involved in tennis in Britain to support the environment and positive climate action.”

Over the last two years, sustainability training has been delivered to the LTA executive and leadership teams, as well as all LTA colleagues. A Sustainable Sourcing Code for suppliers and funded partners has been established and the LTA’s reserved funds and investments are being held in ethical and sustainable portfolios.

Upgrades have been made to improve energy efficiency across LTA facilities through LED lighting, sensors and building management systems, while all electricity is now sourced from green suppliers. The installation of a more efficient irrigation system at the National Tennis Centre has helped to reduce water usage, and all catering materials at the centre are reusable or recyclable.

Promoting sustainability across tennis is a key part of the LTA’s plans, and has been running sessions with performance players, developed a venue support toolkit, and partnered with charity Pledgeball to launch the LTA Pledgeball League.

The LTA has now refreshed its sustainability objectives for 2024-26, building on the progress made over the last two years.

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