Bristol City may be pushing for a spot in the Premier League, but the club is also making waves off the pitch with its dedication to environmental sustainability. Alongside fellow Championship side Plymouth Argyle, the two clubs are showing that professional soccer can go green—without compromising on performance.
Local Sourcing and Food Waste Reduction at Bristol City
At Bristol City, sustainability starts with something as simple as food. At least 50% of the food sold on matchdays is locally sourced, with a strong emphasis on plant-based options. Unsold food is donated to local homeless shelters, and all waste is composted on-site.
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The club’s green revolution gained momentum after a key moment in 2018. Peter Smith, now Head of Change and Sustainability, recalls asking which bin to use for plastic in the club café—only to discover there was no clear system in place. “There’s a lot of people with energy and enthusiasm… but not really joining it up,” he said.
Since then, Bristol City has made major strides and became the first club in the English Football League (EFL) to earn Greencode Accreditation.
Climate Risks Make Sustainability Urgent
The intersection between sport and climate change is becoming harder to ignore. Heatwaves can pose safety concerns for players, while low-lying soccer pitches—common across the UK—are increasingly vulnerable to flooding.
In League Two, Carlisle United’s chairman recently warned that flood insurance is becoming “increasingly unaffordable.” And last year, AFC Wimbledon’s pitch was destroyed by flash flooding.
Peter Smith believes soccer has a unique platform to engage audiences on green issues. “Local food and drink choices help build support because fans care about their communities,” he explained. While some social media backlash exists, he says most fans are hugely supportive.
Fans Taking the Lead: Pledgeball and Millwall’s Surprising Rise
Smith’s claim is backed by the rise of Pledgeball, a grassroots initiative where fans take environmentally conscious pledges—like switching to plant-based milk or reducing meat consumption—and compete with other clubs in a league table.
Surprisingly, Millwall fans—often stereotyped as anti-establishment hooligans—are topping the table. Pledgeball CEO Katie Cross credits the club’s strong community ties for this success. “Most people care about climate change,” she says. “They just need the space to act and talk about it.”
Plymouth Argyle’s Comprehensive Green Strategy
While Plymouth Argyle made headlines for staying overnight in Manchester to cut down on emissions from long coach trips, their most impressive sustainability efforts are at home.
Their refurbished grandstand features:
- LED lighting
- Rainwater harvesting
- 229 solar panels powering the stadium
Christian Kent, Head of Hospitality and Events at Argyle, says the players have also embraced the mission. Many now drive electric vehicles that are charged using stadium-generated solar energy.
Sustainable Sponsorships and the Business Case for Values
Both Bristol City and Plymouth Argyle have taken principled stands on sponsorship. Plymouth refuses to work with gambling sponsors, which might seem like a financial sacrifice but has instead attracted like-minded brands that value sustainability and community.
“Far from losing out,” Kent says, “we’re finding the right partners who align with our long-term vision.”
Challenges and the Call for League-Wide Support
Despite progress, challenges remain. For example, Argyle wants to make matchday travel more eco-friendly—but that requires better coordination with league match scheduling to ensure kickoff times align with train timetables.
Bristol City is working to bring other clubs on board, hosting events at Ashton Gate for club CEOs and decision-makers to explore soccer’s role in climate action.
As Smith puts it:
“We’re very keen that we take others along with us and celebrate the successes for what they are—so that other clubs see the potential of it and join the journey.”
