Reading 2022

Partnered with The University of Reading to take the first steps to improve the environmental sustainability of the club going forward.
Announced that the club is to embark on a number of wide-ranging carbon-reduction initiatives as part of an overarching Environmental Sustainability strategy

The club has advised that it does not pull directly from ‘renewable’ resources at present, but is at an advanced stage of installing solar panels on the roof of training ground and stadium to provide a constant renewable source of energy for the club.
Ground staff use electric-powered mowers.

Building Management System (BMS) controls on lighting and heating.
LED energy saving lighting installed across entire stadium and training ground.
Passive Infrared Sensors (PIR) switching to ensure lights are not left on in unattended areas.
Heat recovery on Air Handling Units (AHU’s).
Low temperature washing cycles on kits.
Proactively monitoring the electricity and gas that it uses as an organisation.

Bicycle parking facilities are available at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. There are cycle racks at the top of VIP Car Park 1 where it is free to park a bike.
Public transport (bus and train) travel to the Select Car Leasing Stadium is promoted on the club’s website.
The club subsidises local bus transport in order to maintain a cheap price for its fans to use instead of their own travel
The F1 (Reading Station Shuttle Service) is subsidised by the club.
Free parking at the stadium is offered to all fans who opt to use supporter trust buses to away games.
EV Charging facilities agreed. Construction to commence imminently.
The club is looking to improve cycle facilities for supporters and raise awareness of these facilities amongst its fans.

There are no plastic stirrers, straws or sauce sachets in its event spaces.
The club is in the process of switching from plastic serving glasses in concourses to paper Cup-A-Peel which is 100% recyclable and does not have a plastic in-layer as seen in other alternative options.
The 22/23 home and away shirts are made from Eco-Fabric – 100% of which comes from recycled plastic bottles.

Has a target to reduce food waste by 20%.
Recycles glass, paper, cardboard.
Grass cuttings and food waste go to a bio plant. General waste goes to energy from waste plant.
For its conferences and events, the club is currently finding ways to reduce its food waste by 20%.
During the Coronavirus pandemic, food from cancelled events that were scheduled to take place at the stadium were donated to the local branch of the Salvation Army. The donated food included fresh fruit and vegetables (potatoes, leeks, mushrooms, peppers, carrots, melons, pineapple and broccoli) as well as 1,000 eggs and 36 litres of milk.
The 22/23 home and away shirts remain completely recyclable.
Looks to present home and away fans with the knowledge and the tools to recycle within the concourses.
Is looking to reduce paper use, recycle glass bottles and minimise food waste levels at the stadium.

Training ground irrigation water is from a borehole and not mains supply.
A weather station measures moisture content in the pitch to control irrigation amounts.
Waterless urinals have been installed.

25% of dishes are vegan or vegetarian.
Has targets to source a minimum of 80% British seasonal fruit and veg and to reduce beef served by 50%.
Is taking steps to move towards only using suppliers with high animal welfare and low environmental impact.
Food kiosks and hospitality menu options will include a ‘carbon score’ (Climato) which informs the customer of the approximate impact of their choice on the environment. g beef choices will have a higher carbon score than a vegetarian choice.
For Conferences and Events, the club’s catering partner Levy aim to be the market leader in sustainable food; delivering locally sourced plant and in-season menus.

No information provided

Various online and matchday education programmes will be in place throughout the season.
The club is working with 39 local primary schools to coordinate climate education geography lessons by using the club’s home shirt as a talking point and to use football as a more interesting way to educate. Module support is from University of Reading.

Reading FC Community Trust participated in Planet League’s ‘Planet League Cup’.
The 22/23 home and away shirts incorporate the University of Reading’s ‘Climate Stripes’ infographic into the designs, in the hope that it will help start conversations around the climate crisis and ultimately inspire action.
On #ShowYourStripes Day (21^st June 2022), the club raised awareness of climate change using a ‘Climate Stripes’ infographic which visually demonstrates how temperatures have risen over a long period of time.
The club is a confirmed panellist for Reading Climate festival to educate on Reading Football Club’s environment challenge and how the club is trying to do things better.
Supported WWF’s 2023 #WorldWithoutNature campaign by removing the nature elements from the club’s crest for the day.

Information sourced directly from Reading F.C. staff, website and third party websites
Information updated 07 March, 2023.