The Premier League has today published its Environmental Sustainability Strategy, reaffirming its commitment to addressing environmental issues and building on existing work to support long-term change.
The strategy outlines the Premier League’s ambition as an organisation, with the aim of accelerating positive environmental change through central operations and engagement with fans and community participants. To achieve this, the League has set out three priority areas of work:
1. Adapting our business, with the aim of becoming net zero by 2040
2. Future-proofing the game by supporting decarbonisation across the Premier League
3. Engaging and inspiring fans by encouraging action through our programmes and platforms
Premier League Chief Executive, Richard Masters, said: “Premier League football is enjoyed by hundreds of millions of fans around the world. We have the ability to reach and influence a significant global audience, raising awareness of climate change issues and helping to inspire positive behaviour change.
“We will regularly review our programme of work, to keep our strategy up to date as our business and the wider industry continues to evolve. We know there is much work to do, but we are fully committed to this strategy.”
The publication of the Premier League Environmental Sustainability Strategy follows on from the League becoming a signatory of the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework in 2021, committing to achieving net zero emissions by 2040.
In 2024, Premier League clubs agreed to the introduction of an Environmental Sustainability Commitment, which introduced a minimum standard of action on environmental issues across the clubs and League. Work will continue with clubs to support them in achieving their own ambitions, with a club working group providing a forum for sharing best practice.
Education on environmental sustainability remains a focus area for the League’s work. Through the Premier League Lifeskills and Personal Development Programme, Academy players are able to access free sustainability sessions to enhance their understanding of climate change.
Through Premier League Primary Stars, the League has supported more than 70,000 primary school teachers across England and Wales with access to free downloadable Protect the Planet resources. The education pack encourages children aged five to 11 to learn about nature, why it is important and how reducing use of certain energy sources will benefit the environment.
Download the Premier League Environmental Sustainability Strategy here.
See more about how the Premier League is committed to sustainability here.