Arsenal FC Sets Global Benchmark with SBTi-Approved Net-Zero Target

Arsenal Football Club has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first football club globally to have its net-zero target approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This approval aligns Arsenal's environmental strategy with the most ambitious pathways to limit global temperature increases.

Commitment to Net Zero by 2040

In 2020, Arsenal became the first Premier League club to sign the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework and commit to reaching net-zero emissions by 2040. The SBTi’s recent approval validates Arsenal’s comprehensive action plan to achieve this goal.

Targeted Emission Reductions

Arsenal’s plan includes specific targets:

• By 2030:
  • Reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% compared to 2021.
  • Decrease the intensity of Scope 3 emissions by 52%.
• By 2040:
  • Achieve a 90% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions.
  • Lower the intensity of Scope 3 emissions by 97%.

These targets encompass direct emissions (Scope 1), indirect emissions from purchased energy (Scope 2), and other indirect emissions such as those from suppliers and employee commuting (Scope 3). The Club will report annually on progress to ensure transparency and accountability.

Strategic Initiatives for Sustainability

Arsenal’s net-zero action plan focuses on several key areas:

• Energy Consumption: Decarbonizing energy use across Emirates Stadium, the Sobha Realty Training Centre, the Academy building, Hale End, and offices while committing to 100% renewable electricity.
• Travel and Transport: Reducing emissions from club travel, employee commuting, and product deliveries. Efforts are underway to promote more sustainable supporter travel options.
• Waste and Recycling: Minimizing and enhancing recycling processes, including managing matchday waste and water usage.
• Supply Chain Collaboration: Partnering with suppliers to set decarbonization goals and reduce emissions from goods and services, including food, beverages, and merchandise.

Educational and Community Engagement

Beyond operational changes, Arsenal F.C. emphasizes education and awareness to inspire environmental action within its communities. The club has launched the Green Action League in collaboration with Ball Corporation and teams from the Kroenke Sports & Entertainment family. This initiative revives the Green Gooners Cup, an award-winning campaign that inspired nearly 56,000 sustainable actions from supporters across 164 countries.

Additionally, Arsenal collaborates with local partners, including the London Borough of Islington, to develop climate action plans to build community resilience against climate change.

Leadership Statements

Managing Director Richard Garlick stated, "We are in a privileged position where the actions we take inspire change on a global scale, and our goal is to drive sustainability together with our people, our supporters, and all our communities around the world. Reducing our impact sits right at the heart of our club strategy, and today is about ensuring we are accountable as we continue our journey to net zero."

Director of ESG Hannah Mansour added, "We’re proud that our net zero target has today been approved by the SBTi, which is part of our commitment to being thorough and transparent in reducing our footprint. We continue to take actions that deliver against this target, focused on reducing emissions across our value chain."

Arsenal’s dedication to sustainability reflects a comprehensive approach, integrating environmental responsibility into its operations and community initiatives. 

Read more about Arsenal’s commitment to sustainability here.