We have been looking at all the ways the club can work to reduce our environmental impact for many years now, and our efforts continue to evolve. But we have also been assessing what the country more broadly is committed to and how we align on each issue.
Net zero target
The UK aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Arsenal are committed to the UN sport for Climate Action, which has a target for net zero of 2040.
Renewable energy
In 2020, renewable energy sources generated 43 per cent of the UK’s electricity.
All of our sites, from Emirates Stadium to Sohba Realty Training Centre to Hale End, have been powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity since forming our partnership with Octopus in 2016.
Recycling
The UK recycles 380,000 tonnes of plastic bottles annually.
While recycling is good, reusing is better! Our reusable beer and soft drinks cups at Emirates Stadium, plus the water dispensers across all our sites, have helped reduce our consumption of single-use plastics. We are also working with our cleaning partner and waste management contractor to further reduce the amount of waste we are unable to recycle.
Plastic waste
Plastic can take up to 1,000 years to decompose in landfills.
We work with many stakeholders to try to reduce the amount of plastic we use. We have a long way to go to remove it all, but by using reusable cups and drinking bottles and changing some of our food packaging, we are beginning to make positive changes.
Food waste
The UK wastes around 10.7 million tonnes of food each year.
We continue to compost food waste from all our sites. We also donate food whenever possible.
Electric vehicles
There were more than 900,000 EVs on UK roads as of 2023.
With EV chargers and more electric vehicles being used within the club, we are moving towards cleaner transportation. We are also working with various travel companies and governing bodies to help drive staff and fans towards more sustainable travel forms. Remember, we have a cycle park at Highbury House on Drayton Park for matchday use.
Green jobs
The green economy supports over 639,000 jobs in the UK.
It is an ever growing “industry” that has benefits for employment, communities and hopefully the planet as a whole. But you don’t have to be working within the industry to make a difference. Individuals, families and fan groups can all make a difference with small changes.
Carbon footprint
The average carbon footprint per person in the UK is around ten tonnes of CO2 annually.
Previously in the matchday programme, we have highlighted the many ways that we can make small changes to our lives that have a big impact for the whole Arsenal family, be it cycling instead of driving, choosing more vegetarian food options or switching lights off around the home. And many more…
Sources
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