27 June 2024: Tottenham Hotspur is proud to have achieved certification by BSI to ISO 20121, a standard for sustainable event management – a key milestone on the Club’s journey to net zero by 2040.
ISO 20121 is a beacon for sustainable event management, guiding organizations to seamlessly integrate sustainability into every facet of their event planning and execution.
As one of the Premier League’s greenest clubs, Tottenham Hotspur is committed to:
- Displaying leadership in event sustainability
- Minimising the environmental impacts of our activities
- Halving Greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, Net Zero by 2040
- Contributing to the local community
- Championing inclusivity, diversity and representation
Measures to date include:
- 100% renewable electricity, backed by REGO certificates
- Recognised as a European winner in the annual Sustainability Impact Awards by Schneider Electric
- Zero waste to landfill
- The elimination of single-use plastic water bottles
- A reusable beer cup scheme
- Food produce sourced within a 60-mile radius of the stadium, with plant-based options offered throughout
- Minimising our water consumption
- Becoming the first ever ‘Fair Change’ venue
- The enhancement of public transport options to the stadium with four upgraded train stations, a matchday shuttle bus, a carbon neutral regional coach service and cycling provision
In September 2021, Tottenham Hotspur staged the first ever net zero match at an elite level, in partnership with Sky, with emissions from a London derby match with Chelsea offset into a reforestation project in East Africa and a local tree planting initiative in Tottenham.
Furthermore, a recent in-depth analysis of Tottenham Hotspur’s socio-economic impact has found that the Club contributes around £900m of gross output to London's economy, generating an additional £478m of GVA (the value that producers add to the goods and services they have bought) in London and 3,700 FTE (full-time equivalent) jobs supported – with further growth estimated for the coming years – as a direct result of its new stadium and activities.
Following a full assessment by BSI – with a focus on social, economic and environmental impacts – Tottenham Hotspur achieved certification to the standard, which is now embedded within Club operations to further foster a holistic approach to sustainability.
The successful certification brings the club in line with COP28, the G7, London Olympics, Tokyo Olympics, the IMF and other large global events.
Donna-Maria Cullen, Executive Director, Tottenham Hotspur, said: “Achieving certification to ISO 20121 standard further demonstrates the Club’s commitment to sustainability across everything we do.
“We pride ourselves on the delivery of world-class events at our stadium that minimise environmental impacts while creating tangible benefits for the local community and wider economy.
“We are committed to maintaining the standard across our operations and fostering our culture of ‘To Care Is To Do’, with a focus on people, climate and nature.”
Matt Page, Managing Director UK & Ireland, BSI said: “Congratulations to Tottenham Hotspur for achieving certification to the sustainable events management standard and proving its dedication to the delivery of sustainable events. As a globally recognized name, Tottenham has a powerful opportunity to set an example for how sporting events can be planned and delivered sustainably, benefiting people and planet.
“BSI’s rigorous audit demonstrated the club has taken vital action to meet the requirements of the Sustainable Events Management System Standard and consider key environmental, social, and economic impacts. Tottenham deserves credit for taking an important step forward that can ultimately help the football industry and wider society accelerate progress towards a sustainable world. BSI is proud to provide support in this area and to continue to work alongside industry and society to accelerate the adoption of sustainable measures.”
