ENERGIZING CHANGE: HOW SPORTS LEAD THE WAY IN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
ENERGY
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Inspired by Paul Hawken's vision in Regeneration: Ending the climate crisis in one generation, we've launched "Regeneration Revolution: Sport’s Solutions to Helping End the Climate Crisis." This series highlights how sports can be a dynamic force in addressing the climate crisis, with a keen focus on the nine core areas explored in Hawken's book: Cities, Food, People, Energy, Industry, Forests, Land, Wilding, and Oceans.
We have seen great progress in the journey toward cleaner energy use. In the past decade alone, we have seen the production of renewable energy more than double globally.
However, in that same decade, Hawken highlights that the use of fossil fuels is also expanding. Global energy-related emissions have increased by 5% and the share of energy from fossil fuels has remained largely unchanged at 82%.
He outlines energy solutions that can address this, such as wind, solar, microgrids, electric vehicles, and harnessing geothermal energy — but ultimately argues that the solution lies in using less energy overall and using what we have more efficiently, rather than relying purely on technical solutions.
HOW IS THE SPORTS
INDUSTRY RESPONDING?
The sports industry's use of energy to power its stadiums and run events, as well as its alignment with "extractive" sponsors, are under increasing scrutiny as athletes and fans put pressure on sports organizations to improve their energy efficiency and commit to net zero.
There are a number of policies stadiums and clubs can implement when trying to reduce the impact of their energy use, including:
Increasing solar capacity.
Switching to LED lighting.
Adding battery storage solutions.
Using electric vehicles and installing electric vehicle charging stations.
Installing energy efficient windows and insulation that will reduce reliance on heating and cooling.
FORMULA 1 AND DHL INTRODUCE BIO FUELED TRUCKS
Formula 1 and Official Logistics Partner DHL announced that the European stint of the 2023 season would be delivered with bio-fueled trucks, resulting in a carbon emissions reduction of at least 60% over standard fuels, with the potential for even more savings.
This marks the latest innovation by Formula 1 to introduce more sustainable logistical solutions as part of their effort to reach Net Zero by 2030.
17 SPORT LAUNCHES GO GREEN AFRICA AT THE CAPE TOWN E-PRIX
In February 2023 — right after Cape Town hosted Africa’s first ABB FIA Formula E-Prix — 17 Sport collaborated with E-Movement to create Go Green Africa: a shared mission of organizations and individuals committed to accelerating Africa’s transition to a Green Economy in a just and inclusive way.
Using the high profile platform of Formula E and its purpose to drive e-mobility solutions, Go Green Africa brings together key stakeholders and creates an ongoing platform for debate and collaboration to work toward a greener future on the African continent.
Go Green Africa was founded on the principles that we are stronger together, and combining our efforts and resources will help us take the action needed to make real improvements. Go Green Africa is moving Africa one step closer to a diverse and sustainable economy.
Galatasaray football club set a world record in March 2022 for the amount of megawatts produced by the stadium’s solar panels, earning it a place in the Guinness World Records.
The club and the energy company running the system, Enerjisa, were presented with a certificate acknowledging the feat of producing 4.2 megawatts from 10,404 panels on the roof of the Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi Stadium in Istanbul.
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NITTO ACTIVATION AT ATP FINALS
As part of Nitto’s sustainability efforts at the 2021 Nitto ATP Finals, they created a fan activation whereby fans rode energy-generating bikes to understand how much pedaling is required to produce energy and the importance of sustainable resources.
Three people competed on the bikes, with the first person to reach the five-watts energy mark named the winner. The victor then answered questions related to sustainability to further promote education around the subject in an enjoyable way.
TENNIS AUSTRALIA AND SANTOS PARTNERSHIP TERMINATED
In 2021, Tennis Australia ended its multi-year partnership with global energy company, Santos, after only one year. Despite Santos openly committing to "increasingly cleaner energy and fuel production," there was strong community backlash to the deal and accusations of sportswashing.
Nearly 10,000 fans signed a petition addressed to the Australian Open CEO demanding that the partnership be terminated.
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ENGIE, A BENCHMARK PARTNER IN THE ENERGY TRANSITION OF THE FRENCH OPEN
ENGIE's partnership with the French Tennis Federation (FFT) exemplifies their commitment to sustainability and innovation at Roland Garros stadium.
Since 2016, ENGIE has been supplying the stadium with 100% renewable electricity, reducing its carbon footprint. ENGIE Solutions ensures the smooth operation of technical facilities, doubling on-site teams during tournaments to provide optimal comfort for players and spectators.
Taking it a step further, ENGIE deploys HeliaFilm® flexible photovoltaic films from Heliatek, generating low-carbon electricity across various areas of the stadium. The spectator experience is also enhanced by ENGIE’s offer of charging solutions, including fixed and solar-powered stations, and portable smartphone chargers.
By combining renewable energy, technical expertise, and convenient services, ENGIE and the FFT are paving the way for sustainable practices and an enjoyable tennis experience at Roland Garros.
OAKLAND ROOTS AND EAST BAY COMMUNITY ENERGY
Oakland Roots, a professional soccer team deeply rooted in the community, has joined forces with East Bay Community Energy, a founding partner and local community choice energy provider, to drive sustainable initiatives in Oakland, California. Together, they are working toward a more resilient future by promoting renewable energy adoption, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.
East Bay Community Energy's commitment to delivering clean and affordable energy aligns perfectly with Oakland Roots' mission. By leveraging their collective strengths, they aim to inspire positive change through various initiatives, including organizing community events, supporting local sustainability projects, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
WHAT CAN WE TAKE AWAY FROM THIS?
It’s up to us to create the future we want to live in, and changes can be made through sports to make our planet cleaner and more sustainable.
At 17 Sport, we believe in the power of collaboration to build a better world — and we see how vital community and fan support is in changing operational and societal energy practices.
Take a look through the five key learnings from the sports industry’s purpose-driven initiatives for inspiration on how you too can drive impact at scale:
Diversify Energy Sources:
Sports organizations can serve as a testing platform to demonstrate the scalability of potential energy solutions such as the example set by Formula 1 and DHL, who have initiated a pilot project to transition to bio-fueled or renewable energy sources. If successful, this project will not only reduce carbon emissions but also aligns with organizational sustainability goals and ESG targets. Diversifying energy sources can be a key step in reducing the carbon footprint and helping to meet the UN SDGs.
Energy Education and Engagement:
Engaging fans and stakeholders in sustainable practices is vital. Initiatives like Nitto's energy-generating bikes provide a creative and engaging platform for educating fans about energy consumption and sustainability. Leaders in the sports industry can explore similar fan engagement initiatives.
Leverage Solar and Renewable Energy:
The successful record of Galatasaray's solar panel project shows the potential for sports organizations to harness solar and renewable energy sources. It not only reduces energy costs but also sets records in sustainability. Incorporating solar panels can be a promising strategy to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels for a more sustainable future.
Transparency and Responsibility:
It’s crucial for sports organizations to stay honest and accountable. The termination of Tennis Australia's partnership with Santos due to community backlash highlights the importance of adhering to sustainability commitments. Sports leaders must uphold responsible sponsorships that align with sustainability values.
Community Partnerships for Renewable Energy:
Collaboration with local community choice energy providers, as seen with Oakland Roots and East Bay Community Energy, can be a transformative approach for sports organizations. By promoting renewable energy adoption, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, sports leaders can play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and contributing to resilient, sustainable communities.
Switching to cleaner energy and upholding these values through business operations, event management, and sponsorships is a simple and effective way to drive change. We’re inspired by the commitments the sports industry is taking to date in this space, and look forward to supporting the advancement of clean energy in sports into the future.
ABOUT 17 SPORT
17 Sport exists to help businesses use the power of sport to build a more positive future for the world whilst accomplishing commercial goals.
Founded in 2020, our name is inspired by the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and is anchored to SDG 17 and our profound belief in the power of partnerships. Based in 7 different countries on 3 continents, our global team of experts comprises individuals who have been at the forefront of the purpose revolution in sports and business for the last 15 years.
To find out how 17 Sport can help you activate your purpose through sports to help address the climate crisis, reach out to info@17-sport.com for a one on one consultation with one of our experts.