Policy and Commitment
- The club has a reference to environmental sustainability in its customer charter.
- The club is developing a formal sustainability policy as part of its involvement with EFL Green Clubs. This will be made available to the public via the club website. The club’s involvement with the Green Clubs initiative is displayed on the club website.
Clean/Renewable Energy
- No information provided
Energy Efficiency
- LED lighting has been installed in all indoor areas of the stadium (including offices, player areas, changing rooms, bars and corporate facilities) but excluding the main concourse.
- Motion sensors have been installed in facilities used by the Community Sports Trust (One building, with three offices, changing rooms and a 5 a-side indoor pitch). Some motion sensors have been installed in stadium areas (toilets) and more will follow.
Sustainable Transport
- Promotes travelling by foot and by public transport (rail and bus) to Brunton Park on the club’s website.
- Staff are offered a blended option of some home working and some office working to reduce daily commutes.
Single Use Plastic Reduction/Removal
- Most disposable packaging used for catering purposes on a matchday is made from plant based material and is fully biodegradable (sourced from Vegware).
Waste Management
- The club states that there are separate waste bins and that waste is disposed of in a responsible manner by Cumbria Waste.
- Recycling is available across the site for paper, card, plastics and cans.
- Waste cooking oil is recycled into bio diesel.
- There are recycling points in the ground for PET Bottles.
- The club is currently having a trial with Waste Cumbria for increased recycling within fan areas on matchdays (combined recycling bins for plastic, glass, tin, carboard, paper).
Water Efficiency
- All pitch irrigation water is sourced from a bore hole.
Plant based/low carbon food
- The club supports local producers. All food is sourced from within a 50 mile radius wherever possible. This is written into club policy (including events outside of matchday catering).
- Vegetarian options are available at the club’s various food outlets on a matchday.
- Vegetarian and/or vegan options can be catered for on request for events in the club’s main hospitality area.
Biodiversity
- Turf and top soil that is removed from the main pitch at the end of the season is relocated within the club’s grounds, providing additional space for habitats and a variety of plant life.
Education
- The club is currently in talks with Football for Future regarding a training workshop for staff, players and board members.
- Through the Community Sports Trust, school sessions are being taught in a number of schools. Topics can include:
- Introducing climate change and exploring the causes
- Positive action/solutions
- Plastic pollution, litter and recycling
- Active transport
- Nature, biodiversity and ecosystems
- Making pledges to decrease pupils individual carbon footprints
- In association with the Trust, the club hosted the Cumbria Youth Climate Summit 2022, with attendance of nearly 100 young people from across the county.
- The Trust led a one off workshop in June for Key Stage 2 students (entitled ‘An Introduction to Climate Change’)
- The Trust has led a number of sessions with the BTEC and Traineeship students studying on site and have encouraged students to make pledges and take positive actions for the environment.
Communication and Engagement
- In partnership with the Trust, a Boot Bank now operates on site, with old boots being donated and redistributed in the community. Over 50 pairs of boots have been redistributed so far (in 8 months of use).
- The club has installed a bin in the main reception for fans to donate old CUFC kit so that it can be reused.
- The club took part in Planet League for the first time in January 2023. The club and the Trust encourage fans to score Green Goals by performing actions that reduce their carbon footprint on and around matchday.
- For Green Football Weekend, the club arranged a one off match day green sponsor (Sun Powered Systems), the team captain had a green armband during the match, arranged a trial of improved recycling facilities for its fans, held a walk from the city centre to the football ground (in partnership with a local mental health charity) to reduce cars coming to the match, held a Green Market for fans, hosting local sustainable businesses and charities, provided green activities for its young fans who attended Match Club and promoted Planet League and came 12th.
- Promoted Smart Energy GB’s education campaign which recommended smart meters as a method of controlling energy usage, switching off lights when not in use and cooking for everyone at once to ensure the oven is used less.
- Actively promoted EFL Green Clubs on its website.
- Raised awareness of Rob Green and Dean Windass’ promotion of using smart meters.
Additional information
Information sourced directly from Carlisle United F.C staff, website and third party websites
Information updated 07 March, 2023.