This week in sustainable sport (23 June)

This week in sustainable sport (23 June)

McLaren races towards net zero, Oceantee provides sustainable golf equipment for DP World Tour and Reading FC shows its stripes for climate action

In this week’s sustainability and sport news round-up, McLaren unveils its sustainability report and motors towards net zero with Goldman Sachs, DP World Tour secures an Official Sustainable Products Supplier and Reading FC teams up with its local university to take climate action.

McClaren moves quickly with environmental goals

McClaren became the first F1 team to publish an annual sustainability report for 2021, revealing a carbon reduction target of 50% by 2030 and a net zero plan by 2040. The plan includes developing sustainable procurement policies, reviewing business travel and looking at opportunities to shift freight transport from air to sea.

The iconic motor racing brand also detailed its circular economy progress, showcasing a driver’s seat (used by Lando Norris) that had 85% fewer related CO2 emissions than the previous seat, which was produced with partner Bcomp.

In addition, McLaren has announced that Goldman Sachs will support its net zero plans and build on the work that saw it win an FIA three-star Environmental Accreditation for the ninth year running.

Oceantee becomes DP World Tour Official Sustainable Products Supplier

Golf equipment producer Oceantee, the first to produce golf tees made from bamboo, will support DP World Tour’s ‘Green Drive’ as its Official Sustainable Products Supplier.

Through the partnership, Oceantee will create a new range of ‘eco-friendly’ DP World Tour branded golf accessories, including tees, pin flags and caddie bags to be used during tournaments. The brand, established by marine biologist Ed Sandison, will also launch a number of educational outreach projects for fans at tournaments, including a beach clean up at this year’s Genesis Scottish Open.

“There are millions of people around the world who are passionate about golf and want to preserve the environments that it is played in, but perhaps don’t know where to start,” said Sandison. “This partnership will help us circulate those important messages and give golfers access to the information they need as well as products that are kinder to the planet.”

Reading FC backs ‘Show Your Stripes’ climate campaign

English Championship football club Reading FC has thrown its weight behind the ‘Show Your Stripes’ campaign, a blue and red striped graphic showcasing the increasing temperature the planet has experienced over the years as a result of climate change.

In addition, the club has pledged to reduce its own climate footprint with the support of Reading University through a number of actions:

– Explore renewable energy technologies at the stadium and training ground

– Explore the viability of EV charging stations

– Improve cycling facilities

– Provide recycling education to fans

– Reducing waste

– Monitor water, electricity and gas usage

– Source food and suppliers more sustainably

“This is the beginning of a long journey, not an ego-trip. We will not aim to change the world overnight, nor greenwash our stakeholders; blind our fans with complex science, nor preach to our supporters – but instead make coherent and cost-effective steps, where we possibly can, to reduce our carbon footprint. It’s important that we give you the opportunity to come with us on that journey,” the club said on its website.

“Let’s also be clear…we are not the new Forest Green Rovers. And we will not pretend to be, nor assume we will immediately rival the sustainability progress they have made in recent seasons. We may not be perfect, but, much like the majority of our fans in our stands, we can be better and help achieve a brighter future for our planet.”

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