‘Mitnand’ – FC Bayern’s sustainability report focuses on togetherness

‘Mitnand’ is Bavarian for ‘togetherness’, and this has very much been the approach for the German Bundesliga football club, as its sustainability report encompasses the entirety of the business – from its football team, through to the 66,000-capacity Allianz Arena and FC Bayern Basketball.

FC Bayern has split its strategy into two, with focuses on climate and environmental protection at the club and by the club. FC Bayern is targeting net-zero by 2040 by first reducing its carbon footprint and offsetting any unavoidable emissions.

“Resonance means responsibility. Sustainability is one of the key issues of our time for all of us, and a powerful word that we have to live up to. Our society and we as FC Bayern still have a lot of opportunities to do more. But we are active. The name ‘mitnand’ was deliberately chosen,” commented Herbert Hainer, FC Bayern President.

“We will only have a future by working together, both in terms of social policy and our climate. Together we are active – that’s what sport and FC Bayern as a club can convey.”

During the 2021-22 season – which was still impacted by COVID-19 restrictions – FC Bayern measured its CO2e emissions, which amounted to 75,966.26 metric tonnes of CO2e. As the season was still impacted by those restrictions, the club fully expects its emissions to climb for future seasons.

Scope 3 emissions equated to 94.8% of FC Bayern’s footprint, relating to fan mobility across football and basketball, purchased goods and services, fuel and energy related emissions, general waste, employee mobility and business travel

Scope 2 amounted to just 0.92% of the club’s footprint, thanks to non-green electricity consumption, e-mobility and heating.

Scope 1 emissions amounted to 4.28% of the total, made up of refrigerants, stationary combustion including natural gas and company vehicles.

Across the organisations, FC Bayern Munich AG generated 95.67% of the group’s footprint, FC Bayern Munich eV accounted for 1.93% and the basketball side generated 2.4%.

The club’s plan of action includes creating a climate assessment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, partaking in science-based environmental projects, and using Allianz Arena as inspiration for other venues. It will also focus on biodiversity, waste management, resource conservation, food and nutrition. Additionally, FC Bayern will raise awareness of climate and environmental protection among its fanbase.

In parallel with the introduction of the German Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains, the club will intensify its focus on due diligence with respect to its supply chain. FC Bayern’s next sustainability report will build on this.

This week, the club announced that it is set to build a ‘HPC charging hub’ for eTrucks and eBuses in front of Allianz Arena, in collaboration with its partner MAN Truck & Bus under the slogan of ‘First Mover’. As part of the new partnership, it has been agreed that FC Bayern’s first men’s football team will travel to and from the Allianz Arena for home games in an electric team bus from 2026 onwards.

Diversity & Inclusion

FC Bayern’s strategy also included a focus on diversity and inclusion, as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle. The goals in this area are to promote diversity and inclusion outside of the club, and promote equal opportunities.

During the 2022-23 season, FC Bayern offered after-work workshops on everyday racism, and anti-racism workshops to employees, players and coaching staff. Outside of the club, it held an anti-racism weekend for fans, and introduced sign language initiatives. A Remembrance Day and synagogue visit were also organised for FC Bayern employees, players and coaches.

More specifically for the basketball team, guests were able to donate €2 at games to support the work of the Munich Outpatient Children’s Hospice Foundation. The ‘HELPSIDE matchday’ also served as a showcase for various aid organisations to draw attention to their work, and sell goods for charitable causes at their stalls. Additionally, players and staff donated goods for children in Ukraine via HELPSIDE.

In 2023, FC Bayern Museum was certified with Germany’s nationwide ‘Reisen für alle’ which means ‘travel for all’. The club also welcomed the project launch of the ‘Names in sign language’ for the players on the football teams, as well as the provision of match coverage for people with visual impairments via a streaming app throughout the stadium.

Elsewhere, FC Bayern has pledged to create a safe and healthy environment for all stakeholders, especially vulnerable groups. It is aiming to protect the health and safety of children and young people, visiting fans and employees; improve physical condition and fitness; promote healthy living; teach a healthy lifestyle; and advocate for mental health.

“FC Bayern is committed to acting responsibly every day. We want to remain just as true to our social core of ‘togetherness and for one another’ as we are to our traditionally responsible business practices. It is about taking responsibility for the future by meeting the ecological challenges and the changing expectations of society,” said Jan-Christian Dreesen, FC Bayern Chief Executive.

“In order to move with the times, we must constantly review our understanding of sustainability and stay on the ball. Topics such as climate and environment, tolerance and diversity, health, safety and well-being are at the centre of FC Bayern’s focus. Our members, fans, partners and sponsors as well as our employees expect this, and not least we expect it of ourselves.”

Images: Bernd 📷 Dittrich on Unsplash, Maximilian Kunstwadl on Unsplash