Three Pillars of Action
The strategy is built around three core focus areas that reflect the most pressing environmental challenges facing football. The first of these being Climate Action - reducing emissions and supporting climate resilience. Next is Resource Efficiency, minimising waste and promoting circular economy practices. Finally Biodiversity and Nature - to protect ecosystems and improving access to green spaces.
Strategic Priorities to Drive Chance
To deliver against these focus areas, the League has outlined three strategic priorities, the first of which means to Adapt the Business. This will be done by embedding environmental sustainability into Adapt the Business core operations, implementing an Environmental Management System by 2026/27 and reporting annually on progress toward net zero.
The next is to Future-Proof the Game. This will be done by helping clubs minimise environmental standards, support decarbonisation across the League, and facilitating knowledge sharing through a Club Sustainability Working Group.
The final part of the strategy is to - Engage and Inspire. The League will do this by aiming to reach 50 million people with sustainability messaging by 2027, deliver educational content through initiatives like Premier League Primary Stars and Premier League Inspires, and to showcase success stories and promote behavioural change among fans and communities.
Practical Action on the Ground
The strategy goes beyond high-level commitments. Key initiatives include LED Floodlights Across the Pyramid - a £9 million investment in LED lighting through the Premier League Stadium Fund that will cut energy use and emissions at all levels of the games. It will also include Mandatory Club Policies, with all 20 Premier League clubs are required to develop environmental policies and emissions data by 2026. Finally Low-Carbon Matchdays will be a primary focus, with clubs encouraged to improve energy efficiency, promote low-emission transport, and reduce matchday waste.
A Turning Point for Sustainability in Sport
At Net Zero Group, we’re encouraged by the Premier League’s leadership. From our work with Lord’s Cricket Ground, Glamorgan CCC, and World Netball, we’ve seen first-hand how sport can accelerate climate action. The Premier League’s strategy could mark a turning point, one that pushes the entire sector toward more sustainable operations. At Net Zero Group, we’re encouraged by the Premier League’s leadership. From our work with Lord’s Cricket Ground, Glamorgan CCC, and World Netball, we’ve seen first-hand how sport can accelerate climate action. The Premier League’s strategy could mark a turning point, one that pushes the entire sector toward more sustainable operations.
For more information: https://www.edie.net/premier-league-publishes-flagship-environmental-sustainability-strategy , https://www.premierleague.com/news/4266971 , https://esgnews.com/premier-league-launches-environmental-sustainability-strategy-to-achieve-net-zero-by-2040/ , https://www.forbes.com/sites/clairepoolesp/2025/03/14/premier-league-unveils-environmental-sustainability-strategy , https://greenmarked.it/a-new-kick-off/