Bundesliga side VFL Wolfsburg have been ranked as the German top-flight’s most environmentally sustainable club.
In a report conducted by Sport Positive, Wolfsburg led the organisation’s sustainability table with a maximum 21 points out of a possible 21, pipping German giants Bayern Munich by 4 points.
Points were measured across a variety of categories including clean energy, energy efficiency and transport sustainability. Clubs also received points based on their water efficiency, plant-based/low carbon food, reduction or removal of single-use plastic, waste management, water efficiency and communication & engagement regarding sustainability.
The report highlighted Wolfsburg’s dedication to implementing 100 per cent green energy across the club by using bioplastic cups and for ensuring zero landfill waste, whilst offering vegan options at their stadium on game-day. In addition, Wolfsburg’s website contains a corporate responsibility page with information about climate protection and environmental initiatives.
Wolfsburg have also signed up to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework and have set a goal to be carbon neutral by 2025.
Michael Meeske, Wolfsburg’s managing director, noted how football has the power to stimulate change in society.
“Sustainability is one of the greatest challenges facing society,” he said.
“For football – with its power to change – this means not only an obligation, but also a responsibility. Therefore, we are very happy to lead the German ranking and this is also a motivation to take our next steps.”
The German club’s success follows Sport Positive’s naming of Tottenham Hotspur as the most sustainable English club in the Premier League back in January. Sport Positive will be publishing rankings for Ligue 1, La Liga, Serie A and UEFA Champions League clubs later this year.
“The aim of our table is to encourage the commitment and activity of the clubs in order to increase their commitment to sustainability and their ambitions for climate action,” Claire Poole said, founder of Sport Positive.
“Although we award points on this basis and evaluate the clubs, this is only done to simplify the presentation and communication. We do not want to play the clubs off against each other and see this work as a joint effort in which we have to come together. No single organisation can win the fight against climate change on its own.”
