Football: The English Football League (EFL) and Green Policy

By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw

The EFL, comprising 72 football clubs, has launched a scheme, called ‘EFL Green Clubs’, that will support its teams to make environmental improvements and contribute to the efforts against the effects of climate change.

The EFL will partner with the owner of Forest Green Rovers, Dale Vince, and his environmental accreditation scheme, known as ‘GreenCode’.

Forest Green Rovers have been recognised by the UN and FIFA as the world’s greenest football club.

The Chief Executive of the EFL, Trevor Birch, has commented as follows:

“Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing mankind today and therefore it is vitally important that the EFL and its clubs take steps to improve and minimise our environmental impact.”

And has added:

“A number of our clubs are already taking practical steps to become more sustainable and using the expertise of the global leader in our ranks, we hope EFL Green Clubs will provide an opportunity for every club in our competition to continue, enhance or begin their journey to a more sustainable future.”

Dale Vince, supporting the EFL initiative, has stated as follows:

“GreenCode distils everything we’ve learned from a decade of greening up Forest Green Rovers – and creating the global standard in sustainability.

We’re here to help anybody on the road to net zero…..

By embracingly sustainability as an issue and a collective responsibility serves as a perfect example to others.”

Sustainability includes clean energy and energy efficiency; sustainable transport; reduction of single-use plastic; waste management; water use; and plant-based/low carbon food.  

Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.’