Bundesliga clubs in the environmental check: Where is sustainable progress?

Bundesliga clubs in the environmental check: Where is sustainable progress?

Sustainability in German football is becoming increasingly a topic of conversation. A current survey by German Environmental Aid (DUH) clearly shows that the first Bundesliga has serious gaps in the field of climate protection and environmentally friendly practices. While football clubs play a central role in the life of many fans, they still seem to be in their infancy when implementing modern environmental standards.

Need for action for energy and mobility

A central result of the survey is that many clubs do not offer enough reusable options for food and drinks. This was found particularly in the area of supply with food and drinks, where disposable products are often used, especially at the stadiums. While reusable cups are often used in the stadiums, the use of disposable cups in the outdoor area remains very highly high. The DUH therefore calls for a consistent changeover to a multi -way in all areas.

Environmental aid notes that the arrival of the teams to away games is often not environmentally friendly. In the 2022/23 season, clubs such as Borussia Mönchengladbach and TSG Hoffenheim used the plane in half of their away games. In contrast, VfL Bochum shows that an arrival by bus and train is even possible in professional football: they only traveled three times on the plane. To be credible, other clubs have to follow this sustainable example.

Another concern of worrying is the low self -electricity production. While FC Freiburg covers over 79 percent of its electricity requirements with its own photovoltaic systems, the numbers at VfB Stuttgart are 0.68 percent. The DUH therefore calls for all Bundesliga clubs to strive for at least 20 percent in -house electricity from renewable sources to reduce the environmental impact of the stadiums.

fans and environmentally friendly measures

The German Environmental Aid not only calls the clubs, but also the fans to raise their voice. The support of the new petition "Green Bundesliga: impetus for the climate" could be the key to more environmentally friendly football. "Football is the most popular sport in Germany. But many clubs do not act up to date on important topics," says Barbara Metz, the federal manager of the DUH. The request aims to sharpen the awareness of the fans and to persuade them to support environmentally friendly initiatives.

An analysis of the parking facilities shows that many clubs are very car -friendly. For example, VfB Stuttgart awarded 23 parking spaces to 100 spectators, but only three bicycle parking spaces. In contrast, FC Freiburg was able to shine with 176 bicycle parking spaces per 100 car parking spaces. The DUH urges more bicycle than car parking spaces to make the journey more environmentally friendly.

Another positive sign is that 16 out of 18 clubs have already offered so -called combined ticket, which enables the use of public transport for fans. However, there is still a lot of space for improvement, especially when traveling to away games, where special trains are rarely offered for fans.

The clubs are faced with the challenge of fundamentally rethinking the methods of avoiding waste and using sustainable energies. Football has the potential to be a role model for society. It remains to be hoped that the upcoming petition and the increasing pressure on the clubs will make them drastically reduce their ecological footprint.

an appeal for change

Time for clear measures to support the environment has come. This applies both to the clubs that should see responsibility to rethink their practices, as well as to the fans who should support the initiative. Football is at a turning point that could lead to a pioneering role in climate and environmental protection if everyone involved works together and campaign for a "green Bundesliga".

Current developments in sustainable mobility in sports

The debate about sustainable mobility in sports is increasingly achieving new dimensions. Many clubs in the first and second league in Germany begin to integrate sustainable measures in their infrastructure projects. An example of this is FC Augsburg, which in cooperation with the city of Augsburg promotes a comprehensive cycle path infrastructure and charging stations for electric vehicles. Such initiatives set standards for other clubs and are a sign that sustainability is taken more seriously in sports.

In 2023, several Bundesliga clubs invested in improving their local transport connections for fans. Some clubs offer their supporters discounted public transport tickets, which makes it easier to use public transport. Another trend is the recruitment of sponsors from the field of renewable energies that help the clubs to develop sustainable alternatives

Environmental pollution from sporting events

The environmental pollution caused by sporting events are considerable. According to a study by “Sport and Environment”, the transport emissions form most of the CO2 footprint at events. The broadcasts in large stadiums not only attract millions of fans, but also lead to an enormous increase in traffic. The increase in flights is particularly detectable during the major international tournaments.

To counteract this problem, some sports organizations, including UEFA, have started voluntary initiatives to reduce emissions. This includes the promotion of bus trips or the use of trains, which fans often prefer as environmentally friendly alternatives. An example of this is the obligation to carry out at least 10 percent of the trips by train for UEFA tournaments.

statistical data on sustainable energy in the Bundesliga

According to the latest surveys of German Environmental Aid (DUH), only seven out of 18 clubs in the Bundesliga currently have a share of over 20 percent of themselves generated by renewable energies. FC Freiburg runs with over 79 percent, followed by Werder Bremen with around 32 percent and Hoffenheim with over 23 percent. In comparison, members such as VfB Stuttgart only achieve a meager 0.68 percent.

In addition, one could say that the prospects for the coming years are promising. Studies show that associations that invest in renewable energies not only reduce their operating costs, but also develop a positive image at their fans. According to a survey among Bundesliga fans, 67 percent stated that they were regarded sustainable measures as an important factor for supporting their club.

The Bundesliga clubs still have great potential for improvement, both in ecological footprint and in the binding of their fans.