Bristol City FC

In September 2023, we congratulated Bristol City Football Club on achieving a score of 80, meeting our top tier criteria and receiving Green Code Accreditation.

This came about thanks to a wide-ranging programme of initiatives within the club and across its parent organisation, Bristol Sports. In terms of energy, Ashton Gate stadium generates 100,000kWh of electricity every year through its solar panels and energy-efficient lighting is used throughout the ground.

During the accreditation process, Bristol City’s sustainability leads used the GreenCode standards as a template to ensure action was taken in several key areas. It provided the structure needed to identify where targets for improvement could be set, with GreenCode providing guidance on changing processes and behaviours within the organisation.

The club has set a Net Zero target of 2040, aiming to halve its 2023 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 on the way. Vegan food has been added to the matchday menu for fans, and pints are served in reusable, biodegradable plastic glasses. Over half the food and drink served originates less than 12 miles from Ashton Gate.

Leftover matchday food is provided to a women’s homeless shelter locally, and when the team plays away any remaining club staff food is donated to homeless shelters and refuges in the opponent’s locality.

In transport, Bristol City encourages fans to walk or use public transit to reach the ground, with subsided bus journeys.

Biodiversity has been enthusiastically embraced, with wildflower areas, vegetable plots and habitat piles around Bristol City’s training ground. Water conservation measures are also in place.

Bristol City has led the way in the EFL with its commitment to sustainability, and become a force for change in the sport, which has been well received by supporters and the local community.

We’re delighted to gain GreenCode Accreditation following a thorough audit process. This shows that clubs can make system-level changes which will have numerous benefits for them, the community and the environment.

-Peter Smith, Group Head of Change and Sustainability at Bristol Sport