Wolves 1877 Trust motion passed at FSA AGM
Wolves 1877 Trust submitted a motion to the FSA AGM held on Friday 19th November 2021. The motion was passed with no objections and one abstention.
The motion focused on the need for a greater focus on sustainability and net zero carbon emissions and reads:
‘’The FSA recognise the wider climate emergency and the concern of supporters regarding the environmental impact of professional sport. Football clubs have the influence to be a force for change by making a positive impact on their own direct CO2 emissions but also through promoting behavioural change amongst match going supporters.
However, many clubs do not have a published sustainability policy and are still not publicly reporting on their environmental impact with associated data.
This AGM resolves to engage directly with the FA, Premier and Football League with the aim to campaign for all clubs to develop, and publish, a sustainability policy. This policy should include a plan for achieving Net Zero Carbon emissions in line with, or ahead, of UK Government policy.
We also call for all clubs to participate in independent external sustainability benchmarking by the commencement of season 2022/23.’’
As sport reaches every corner of the globe, it has the power to influence the current generation, and generations to come. The dominant sport in England, and the rest of the world is football. Football authorities not only have the power, but also the responsibility, to lead and influence change as any climatic changes will also impact football significantly.
Football clubs should now be fully engaged with sustainability and, as a minimum, have:
A published sustainability policy.
A responsible person, at Director level, for sustainability reporting.
Published CO2 emissions under scope 1 and 2.
Published Net Zero Carbon targets in line with, or ahead of, UK Government Policy.
A commitment to external benchmarking.
Football can be a force for change, it has a unique position of influence with supporters across the world. The question of good governance, transparency and commitment to change are inextricably linked to sustainability, football is again behind the curve of other commercial sectors.
Sustainability is a great opportunity for collaboration between clubs, governing bodies, and football supporters. Shared learning, best practice benchmarking and joint initiatives can only be a good thing.
Following the passing of the motion a working group will be formed to begin the process of consultation and information gathering.
https://thefsa.org.uk/news/sustainability-a-challenge-for-football/