Portsmouth Football Club has been recognised with EFL Green Club ‘Silver’ status in acknowledgement of the club’s commitment to environmental sustainability practices across Fratton Park and their training facilities.
The EFL Green Clubs programme is a voluntary initiative run in collaboration with GreenCode that assists football clubs in enhancing their environmental operations and practices. Originally established in 2021, the scheme underwent revisions for the 2024/25 campaign, introducing a comprehensive assessment framework that grants participating clubs one of four statuses: ‘Participant’, ‘Bronze’, ‘Silver’, or ‘Gold’.
The updated programme features more stringent evaluation criteria, requiring clubs to surpass basic sustainability standards. Portsmouth’s Silver award reflects significant efforts to embed environmentally responsible practices throughout their operations.
The club’s green initiatives encompass multiple areas, including the development of biodiverse spaces to support local wildlife, pursuing annual energy consumption reductions, and expanding vegan meal options for players and staff both at the training ground and stadium during matchdays.
Additional measures include promoting sustainable transport alternatives for staff and visitors, with electric vehicle charging stations planned for installation. The club works closely with local suppliers to minimise environmental impact whilst implementing water conservation strategies, including providing reusable bottles to stewards and academy members and installing water fountains throughout facilities.
Waste management improvements have also been introduced, with enhanced recycling systems for supporters and Piglet’s Pantry contributing unused matchday food to charitable organisations.
Portsmouth has established an internal environmental working group featuring ‘champions’ from various departments across the organisation.
Chief executive Andrew Cullen commented: “Portsmouth sits as an island city within a low-lying coastal region particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. As the football club holds a central position within the community, we possess a unique opportunity to champion environmental sustainability culture amongst suppliers, supporters, local residents, and employees.
“This EFL Green Club Silver recognition validates our initial sustainability efforts and demonstrates the dedication of our environmental champions—partners and staff from across all club departments committed to building a greener present for an improved future.
“We remain dedicated to achieving our sustainability objectives and anticipate sharing additional significant initiatives and achievements with our supporters throughout the coming year and beyond.”
EFL environmental sustainability coordinator Ben Fisher stated: “The entire EFL celebrates Portsmouth’s environmental sustainability commitment, and we’re pleased to have GreenCode supporting clubs throughout each assessment phase.
“The club has demonstrated genuine effort in reducing their carbon footprint whilst creating positive local environmental impact, fully deserving recognition for these achievements.
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“EFL Green Clubs represents one method through which the EFL assists clubs in improving sustainability practices. We also provide comprehensive training and support programmes throughout the season, enabling best practice sharing across the League whilst collectively addressing common challenges.”
Dale Vince, Forest Green Rovers chairman and GreenCode founder, added: “Witnessing EFL clubs’ progress on this crucial sustainability matter is encouraging. GreenCode’s strength lies in being both accessible and meaningful for clubs regardless of size. Together, we’ll demonstrate that sport and environmental responsibility create a successful partnership.”
Approximately 30 EFL clubs currently participate in the Green Clubs scheme, delivered through partnership with GreenCode, the environmental accreditation body operated by the Green Britain Group.
The assessment process spans two seasons, beginning with a development period during which clubs identify priority areas and implement environmental sustainability measures and protocols, including published environmental policies and baseline carbon footprint assessments.
