Sky Sports & Tottenham Hotspur partner on #GameZero
September 17, 2021
On 19 September, Tottenham Hotspur F.C.’s home match against Chelsea F.C. is set to become the world's first net zero carbon football match at an elite level. Branded "#GameZero", the initiative is a partnership between the Spurs and Sky, supported by the Premier League and the UK government as hosts of November’s COP26.
According to a UN Global Climate survey, 81 per cent of Brits believe there is an urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and limit the impact of global warming. However, about a third admitted to a limited understanding of what they can do to make a difference in the world.
The #GameZero partners want to educate football fans on the role the sport they love can play in addressing climate change and demonstrate green steps fans, the sporting world and broadcasters can take to reduce carbon footprints.
"We hope that by using the power of sport, we can inspire and support football fans to make simple changes to reduce their carbon footprint and make more climate-friendly choices," said Sky Sports managing director Jonathan Licht.
To reach net zero on Sunday, Sky and Tottenham will work to minimise matchday emissions encompassing the energy used to power the game, travel to and from the stadium for fans and clubs and dietary choices at the stadium. The remaining carbon footprint will be offset through reforestation projects.
The Spurs were named the Premier League’s greenest club arising from a study by the UN-backed Sport Positive Summit earlier this year. Sky is a Principal Partner and Media Partner to COP26 and has committed to be net zero carbon by 2030, cutting its own emissions and those made by customers using its products, by 50 per cent over the next decade. Both are signatories on the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.
Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy said: "We are delighted to be the chosen partner of Sky on this ground-breaking initiative that will demonstrate the role our game can play in addressing the urgent issue of climate change. As the Premier League's greenest club, Tottenham Hotspur is passionate about our planet - we look forward to showcasing our wide range of sustainable measures that are already in place and encouraging our fans to take simple actions that can make a huge difference."
The Club is encouraging fans attending the Chelsea match to take sustainable actions on the day, including:
• Using public transport – the Club has driven significant investment in its local transport infrastructure with the stadium served by four train stations, a free matchday shuttle bus and a net zero carbon regional coach service from Big Green Coach. Recent analysis has shown that the Club is close to achieving its target of no more than 23 per cent of supporters travelling by private car on matchdays.
• Cycling to the match – the Club has provision for up to 180 bikes to be parked at St Francis De Sales School and Tottenham Community Sports Centre.
• Choosing a plant-based food option – all food served inside the stadium is locally and sustainably sourced, with plant-based options available across all outlets and in Premium areas.
• Recycling waste – the Club has a ‘zero to landfill’ waste management programme, with clear recycling instructions for fans on its bins, as well as a reusable beer cup scheme.