Why Sustainability in Sport Matters
Stadium Support Services is launching a suite of sustainability services to help stadiums, and mass spectator venues lead the way in environmental responsibility. We sat down with Dermot Reid, Head of Sustainability, to drill him on some key questions about this new initiative.
Q: Can you tell us about the new sustainability services Stadium Support Services is introducing?
We’re proud to launch a comprehensive suite of sustainability services designed to help stadiums and mass spectator venues achieve their environmental goals. These include energy and water audits, carbon assessments and supply chain analysis—all aimed at reducing carbon footprints, cutting costs and enhancing sustainability reputation. By providing these services free of charge, we’re removing financial barriers and making sustainability accessible for organisations of all sizes.
Q: Why is sustainability in sport such an important focus area?
Sport is a global platform and the environmental challenges we face—from pollution to climate-related disruptions—are becoming increasingly evident. Clubs and venues now have a responsibility to lead by example. Sustainability isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore; it’s an operational and reputational necessity. With growing regulatory pressures and public expectations, we want to empower venues to meet these demands efficiently while setting a benchmark for environmental leadership.
Q: What sets your approach apart from others in the industry?
Our approach is unique because we don’t just offer advice—we partner with organisations throughout their sustainability journey. We align on their goals, conduct in-depth audits, and provide actionable plans. Beyond that, we collaborate with existing service providers like waste management, catering and maintenance teams to ensure a cohesive effort. Transparency is key: our reports are fully accessible, and there’s no obligation to implement our recommendations.
Q: How do these services benefit your partners?
The benefits are both financial and reputational. Our energy and water audits identify areas where efficiency can be improved, leading to cost savings. At the same time, by adopting sustainable practices, venues can enhance their brand image, attract environmentally conscious clients, and meet regulatory requirements. Our services also facilitate better collaboration across supply chains, creating a ripple effect of environmental improvements.
Q: Your services are offered at no cost—how does that work?
We’ve structured this as a partnership model. Instead of charging for our services, we ask for promotional opportunities through media channels and pitch-side branding. This creates a mutually beneficial relationship: venues get expert sustainability support, and we gain visibility and the chance to inspire others. We believe in declaring ambitions and showcasing progress, not waiting until results are achieved—because leadership starts with taking the first step.
Q: How do you help venues engage their supply chains in sustainability efforts?
Collaboration is essential. We work with venues to engage their other service providers, such as waste management and catering, in discussions about sustainability goals. By fostering alignment and accountability across the supply chain, we ensure that everyone involved contributes to reducing emissions and improving environmental impact.
Q: What outcomes do you hope to achieve with this initiative?
Our ultimate goal is to make sustainability a standard practice in the sports and spectator
venue industry. We want to create a network of organisations that are not only meeting environmental benchmarks but also inspiring others to follow suit. By aligning operational efficiency with environmental responsibility, we can help venues lead the way towards a more sustainable future.
Q: What’s your message to organisations considering these services?
If you’re ready to take meaningful steps towards sustainability and the idea of cost saving is one you would like to explore, we’re here to support. This is an opportunity to not only improve your venue’s environmental performance but also to demonstrate commitment to a greener future.
We can help you achieve or improve your EFL Green Clubs accreditation status, partnering with you every step of the way from participant to Gold.
We’d love to hear from you. Drop us a line at info@StadiumSupportServices.co.uk to explore how we can help your venue take the next step in sustainability.
