UEFA launches “Carbon Footprint Calculator”

The European Football Association UEFA has introduced a carbon footprint calculator to help clubs reduce their emissions. The calculator is intended to cover all relevant areas in the context of sport.

The UEFA football carbon footprint calculator was presented as an ‘innovative’ online tool and, according to UEFA, is an important step towards reducing the climate impact of all football stakeholders. This tool is intended to emphasise UEFA's active efforts in the fight against climate change.

The UEFA Carbon Footprint Calculator was presented at the Emirates Stadium in London at the beginning of March. Image: Stadionwelt

In view of the urgent need to reduce the carbon footprint of European football, UEFA has included climate protection in its strategy for sustainable football 2030 (‘Strength through Unity’). With the introduction of the carbon footprint calculator, UEFA wants to empower member associations, clubs and leagues to actively advocate for change.

The ‘Carbon Footprint Calculator’ in football is based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and a methodology verified by a third party. It was developed in a two-year collaboration with around two dozen football organisations and external consultants. Football organisations can use this tool to comprehensively understand and assess their climate impact. The focus is on football-specific areas such as mobility, goods and services, facilities and logistics.

UEFA wants to support the clubs with its new tool. Image: Stadionwelt

Laura McAllister, UEFA Vice-President, emphasised the importance of the project: “The UEFA Carbon Footprint Calculator represents our ambition to show that football can contribute to global efforts to reduce CO2 emissions. By providing stakeholders with tools and advice, we are encouraging collective action towards a more sustainable future for our sport and our planet. Together we can show governments, investors, fans and commercial partners that football is committed to tackling climate change in a united and strategic way.”

In addition to the calculator, UEFA has also created a user manual, video tutorials and a comprehensive methodology document to support users in implementing their sustainability strategy. By providing these resources, UEFA aims to promote transparency, consistency and comparability in reporting on football's climate impact. (stadiaworld, 07.03.2024)

The UEFA user manual for the Carbon Footprint Calculator can be found here.