Football clubs in Scotland have been urged to follow the lead of Hibernian in setting out bold plans to lower their emissions and tackle the climate emergency by Lothians MSP Alison Johnstone.
Already ranked third in the UK for environmental issues after Forest Green Rovers and Manchester United, Hibs have pledged to build on being “the greenest club in Scotland” by the end of the year, by removing all single use plastics from its catering, switching its car fleet to electric vehicles and introducing vegan food to its matchday kiosks.
Responding, Scottish Greens sports spokesperson Alison Johnstone said: “This is impressive leadership shown by Hibs. Tackling the climate emergency cannot be the responsibility of individuals alone, it needs leadership by government and big businesses to make it easier for us all to play our part.
“That’s why football clubs, with their position in the hearts of our communities, can play such a vital role.
“Hibernian already use renewable electricity and take a lead on recycling, but I congratulate Hibs chairman Ronald Gordon and chief executive Leanne Dempster for showing this leadership and understanding that we need to go further if we are to provide an emergency response. I strongly urge clubs across the country to take inspiration from them.”
The Leith club announced their environmental intentions on Thursday.
Club chairman Ronald Gordon said: “Today we are very proud to announce that Hibernian FC pledged to be “The Greenest Club in Scotland” in support of action to combat climate change.
“Hibernian is a major Scottish football club and a leading Scottish sports brand, and as such we have a responsibility to use that amazing platform to lead by example, to serve our community and our city.
“It seems nowadays that on almost any evening the news has stark images of how our climate is changing and impacting on our lives, our wildlife and our planet. There is almost a danger that the incredible changes we are witnessing – wildfires and famine caused by prolonged droughts, catastrophic flooding, the devastation of our forests and the melting of our ice caps – begin to seem normal.
“So how can a football club make a difference to this global challenge? We do it by stepping up, by taking a lead, and by harnessing the power that football undoubtedly has in order to raise awareness and influence people in our community. By taking a leadership role.
“So what have we done? We are the first Club in Scotland to participate in the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.
This means the Club will strive to:
– Promote greater environmental responsibility
– Reduce the overall climate impact from sports
– Use our platforms to educate for climate action
– Promote sustainable and responsible consumption
– Advocate for climate change through our communications
“We already buy 100 per cent renewable electricity, and our waste management recycling efforts are ranked first in Scotland and third in British football behind Forest Green and Manchester United. But we want to move beyond that, so we are working with Circular Edinburgh on engaging in the circular economy. The City of Edinburgh Council has declared its aim of making Scotland’s Capital carbon neutral by 2030, and we will work to support that.
“Every aspect of the Club’s activities will be reviewed, with a determination to achieve overall carbon neutrality. We are looking at how we use power better, how we might generate power, how to reduce our use of water, how we create partnerships with other like-minded organisations determined to reduce our impact on the planet.
“It’s the right thing to do, but it’s also the smart thing to do. Customers and partners of almost every business are now looking to patronise those organisations which show they run their business in a sustainable way that addresses the challenges we all face.
“Hibernian has a long tradition of innovation and firsts. This may be our biggest one yet.”
You can find out more about Hibs’ pledge here.
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