News article
Sustainability round-up: FC Barcelona, IBU, Welsh Rugby Union
Also in the news: Italian Football Federation, Carbon Responsible….
LaLiga giant FC Barcelona has presented a sustainable mobility plan for fans entering and leaving the revamped Spotify Camp Nou, with part of the stadium set to reopen next year following a major development project. The aim of the plan, which has been drawn up in partnership with Barcelona City Council, is to make it easier for local residents to access their homes on match days. The first phase of the football club’s staggered return to the stadium will see the venue operate at a capacity of about 60% of its final number of seats.
The Welsh Rugby Union, the Welsh Rugby Players’ Association and World Rugby have teamed up to launch a new Brain Health Service to support former players in Wales. The service, which is free of charge, assesses players for any brain health warning signs and provides advice on managing risk factors, as well as signposting individuals who require specialist care.
It has been announced that the 2025 Green Sports Alliance Summit will be held at the InterContinental in Miami, Florida (USA) from June 10-12.
The International Biathlon Union (IBU) has described the recent Ski Industry Climate Summit in Munich, Germany as a “pivotal gathering”. The governing body, which is a member of the Wintersports Sustainability Network, attended the event alongside more than 180 representatives of ski and snowboard brands, suppliers and other stakeholders. This year’s summit carried the theme ‘From Commitment to Action’, underlining the need to translate sustainability pledges into measurable results.
Cardiff Rugby fans pledged to save 177,196kg of CO2e at the recent Welsh derby game against Dragons in the BKT United Rugby Championship – the first time the club has linked up with Pledgeball. Cardiff Rugby Chief Operating Officer Jamie Muir said: “We’re dedicated to minimising our environmental impact while inspiring our community to take meaningful action for the planet.”
Unveiled at the London International Horse Show this week, a new plastic-free, non-toxic fibre blend for arena surfaces has been developed by ArenaMend and delivered in partnership with Equus Group. Noviun Fibre also helps to reduce water usage and is safe for both horses and riders.
The Italian Football Federation has launched Sostenabilia, a new multimedia platform created to contain all the initiatives developed as part of the organisation’s Social and Environmental Sustainability Strategy in a single space. The federation’s strategy was launched in July, 2023.
Nearly nine out of every 10 Gen Z football fans would take action if their club underperformed on sustainability and social responsibility, according to a new study. The report by Carbon Responsible – supported by Censuswide, who surveyed 1,295 individuals – found that 88% of Gen Z fans would spend less money on football or campaign for sustainability improvements, while 15% of millennials would do the same. “Our research shows how much the younger generation truly care and are willing to take significant action to improve sustainability in football,” Carbon Responsible Chief Operating Officer Matthew Paver told Global Sustainable Sport. “We’re already witnessing how sustainability champions within the sport – both players and supporters – can drive significant change. With an increasing proportion of fans paying attention to clubs’ sustainability credentials, it’s so important for clubs and football organisations to prioritise transparency and communication about their net zero strategies.”
The O2 arena in London, which is owned and operated by AEG Europe, has secured ‘Commended’ status as ‘A Greener Arena’, certified by A Greener Future. The venue is the world’s busiest live entertainment, sport, leisure and retail destination. The O2 hosts a range of sporting events including UFC, boxing and will provide the stage for F1 75 Live, which will see the teams launch their 2025 liveries alongside drivers and team principals as part of the sport’s 75th anniversary.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has announced the winners of its first UCI Cycling for All & Sustainability Awards. Winners include AusCycling, HERO Dolomites: HERO TO ZERO, the Danish city of Copenhagen and BEAT Cycling Club. The winners were named during the sixth edition of the UCI Mobility & Bike City Forum in Abu Dhabi this week.