Sky and Tottenham Hotspur joined forces in order to host the world’s first net zero carbon football game at a match played against Chelsea this past September 19.
COP26 and the Premier League supported the initiative, which was branded #GameZero, with the ambition of being net zero carbon. For the match to be net zero, Sky and Tottenham worked to minimise emissions from all matchday activity such as energy used to power the game, travel to and from the stadium for both fans and clubs, and dietary choices at the stadium. The remainder of the emissions was offset through natural projects that remove them from the atmosphere.
The hope was for #GameZero to demonstrate the green steps that the sporting world can take to work towards a zero-carbon future.
Sky, Tottenham Hotspur and the UK Government hope that the game raised awareness of the threat of climate change and inspires fans to make changes that will help reduce their carbon footprint.
Sky, who is a Principal Partner and Media Partner to COP26 and has committed to be net zero carbon by 2030, is reducing its own emissions and those made by customers using its products, by half over the next decade.
Sky Sports’ managing director Jonathan Licht said in a statement: “We’re proud to be working with COP26 and Tottenham Hotspur to make #GameZero the world’s first net zero carbon football match at the elite level. We hope that by using the power of sport, we can inspire and support football fans to make simple changes to reduce their carbon footprint and make more climate-friendly choices.”
Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy added to the sentiment: “We are delighted to be the chosen partner of Sky on this ground-breaking initiative that will demonstrate the role our game can play in addressing the urgent issue of climate change. As the Premier League’s greenest club, Tottenham Hotspur is passionate about our planet – we look forward to showcasing our wide range of sustainable measures that are already in place and encouraging our fans to take simple actions that can make a huge difference.”
