Announced in October 2021, the scheme sees the EFL partnering with GreenCode and offering member clubs the opportunity to assess, improve and receive certification for measures implemented to improve the sustainability of their operations.

Achieving an audit score of 80/100, based on GreenCode’s rigorous assessment across 26 environmental and sustainability criteria, Bristol City has been awarded the Green Code Mark to display over the next year, before anew audit is due. To win the mark, an organisation needs to score 76 or higher according to GreenCode standards.

Bristol City’s success comes thanks to Project Whitebeam, a group-wide initiative by Bristol Sport to improve sustainability across BCFC,Bristol Bears, Bristol Flyers, Ashton Gate Stadium and Bristol Sport itself.The organisations are signatories to the UN Sport for Climate Action Framework, with Race to Zero targets of halving carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2040.

Sustainability highlights for Bristol City and the group include:

·     Generating 100,000kWh of electricity using solar panels

·     Sourcing over 50% of food and drink served within 12 miles of the stadium

·     Donating surplus food to local charities

·     Subsidised bus travel to reduce the carbon footprint of away support, and

·     Energy-efficient lighting, water saving and zero waste to landfill policies.

In addition, the club was named EFL Green Club of the Year and the most sustainable Championship club by Sport Positive in 2023, alsowinning the Football Supporters’ Association Climate Action Award.

GreenCode said:

“We’re delighted to award BristolCity FC GreenCode certification as part of the EFL Green Clubs initiative.Through Project Whitebeam, Bristol City has demonstrated a real commitment toreducing its impact on the environment and being a really positive force forchange in football. It has been a fantastic collective effort by so many peopleto achieve this standard and the GreenCode Mark is recognition of that hardwork.”

Peter Smith, Head of Change andSustainability at Ashton Gate, said:

“We’re delighted to gain GreenCodeaccreditation following a thorough audit process. This shows that clubs canmake system-level changes which will have numerous benefits for them, thecommunity and the environment.” 

Trevor Birch, EFL Chief Executive,added:

“Since the EFL Green Clubs schemewas launched with GreenCode to help clubs improve their environmentalsustainability, we have been delighted with the enthusiasm and uptake of thescheme across the divisions. It is fantastic to see Bristol City’s effortsrecognised for work, which is not only improving club operations, but alsomaking a real impact on the environment and local community.”

GreenCode’s standards are based onover 25 years of experience implementing sustainability across a range ofindustries. The criteria are continually challenged by an independent TechnicalStandards Board to ensure they remain rigorous and up to date.

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