Cambridge United have been ranked fourth in League One and eighth in the entire EFL for its work on environmental sustainability...
The rankings have been compiled by Sport Positive, a UK-based organisation that focuses on supporting global sports organisations to increase ambition and action on climate change.
Taking information from the public domain and submissions from Clubs, and scores each Club under the areas of Policy and Commitment, Clean Energy, Energy Efficiency, Sustainability Transport, Single Use Plastic Reduction or Removal, Waste Management, Water Efficiency, Plant-Based/Low Carbon Food, Biodiversity, Education and Comms & Engagement on Sustainability.
The results rank Clubs based on their overall 'score' and Cambridge United - one of 49 EFL Green Clubs and winners of the inaugural Environmental Sustainability Award - impressed the panel with its commitment to sustainability and tackling climate change.
Top marks were received in the areas of Energy Efficiency, Waste Management, Plant-Based/Low Carbon Food and Comms & Engagement on Sustainability.
Some of the key findings from the Club's report were as follows:
- Significant environmental impacts at the stadium have been categorised into priority areas: energy, waste, water, transport, procurement, marketing and communications, and stadium improvements and development
- Motion sensor LED lights have been installed at the stadium to help save energy
- The Club works with Mick George Ltd to divert at least 95% of waste produced at the stadium and its offices from landfill
- Grass cuttings from the playing surface are recycled as compost and used by Allotment Holders
- Water saving measures have been fitted to a number of the toilets and run times have been minimised on a number of push taps
- The Club are mindful to help the wildlife around the stadium and have introduced a number of nesting boxes within the stadium boundary. The creation of a bug hotel has also been undertaken that has seen bees using the area during the summer of 2022
- Cambridge United won Planet League’s CUP26 trophy, football’s biggest-ever climate competition
- The Club hosted a celebration event for free, to raise awareness of the Chisholm (Cycle & Walk) Trail and encourage its use when travelling to games
Claire Poole, Founder, Sport Positive said, "Across the EFL clubs there are many great examples of leadership in environmental sustainability. We congratulate clubs such as Cambridge United, for their efforts towards a sustainable future, whilst acknowledging there is a whole lot more we need to be doing going forward.
"Football provides an incredible platform to drive collective action in tackling the climate crisis, and as the recent IPCC report highlighted, we are running out of time - but the power is in our hands.”
Cambridge United remains committed to reduce its carbon footprint and improve its environmental practices and operations across the Club.
Click here to view the BBC's report on the sustainability table.