THE world's first ever carbon neutral football match has been hailed as "a great success" by environmentalists.
The Coca-Cola Championship game at Argyle's Home Park on April 19, when Newcastle claimed the title, was closely monitored by renewable energy specialists CLEVER CO2e.
With the football authorities taking a keen interest in the outcome, their findings seem set to act as a catalyst for football in this country to begin getting its act together regarding CO2 emissions.
CLEVER CO2e were able to measure the carbon impact of the game, which saw 276 tons of carbon generated - around 90% of the associated emissions were attributable to the supporters of both sides.
You would have to fill 662 million footballs filled with CO2 to generate 276 tons, or drive roughly 750,000 miles in an average sized car - 30 times around the world.
Argyle and CLEVER CO2e have now offset that usage through a renewable wind-farm project in India which would otherwise have been unable to continue.
Carl Hughes, Director of CLEVER CO2e, said: "It's an amazing achievement.
"The information gathered during this process will act as a benchmark, not only for Argyle, who can now implement the necessary changes to reduce the carbon impact of football, but also to the football industry."
Argyle chief operating officer Tony Campbell said: "Argyle are truly committed in taking responsibility for their impact on the environment and the game was a great success in providing the blueprint to achieve this.
"We hope that Argyle have shown that football can take action against climate change and make a difference.
"We do not intend to stop here. The information will be used to educate the club, the local community and the football industry.
"Our hope is that we can provide the template for all football clubs to take action."
The information from the game showed that around 90% of emissions associated with the game were down to travel, with less than 1% being attributed to the energy consumption at the stadium.
The 276 tons of carbon have already been offset through a renewable wind-farm project in India. The money invested into the project not only removed the equivalent amount of carbon from the atmosphere, but also directly contributed to the improvement of people's lives, providing Jobs, clean drinking water and electricity to areas that currently do not have access to such essentials.
Without the money invested by Argyle, the project would not be able to continue to operate.
Tony said: "It's a wonderful story that, not only can we take steps to tackle climate change, but these sorts of projects also improve the standard of people's living conditions and lives, giving less fortunate communities many things we take for granted."
Dave Edmondson, general manager of the Football League Trust said: "The Football League Trust was delighted to support the efforts made by Argyle and CLEVER CO2 in delivering the first carbon neutral football match.
"'Environment' is one of the five core themes that the Football League Trust require the Football League clubs' community schemes to embrace. This involves a range of subjects that raise awareness with supporters and within club communities.
"The recent game between Plymouth and Newcastle is an illustration of how seriously the Football League Trust and their clubs undertake their responsibilities in ensuring that a deep respect for our environment is embedded in us all.
"The FLT has led the way in bringing environmental issues to the fore in the football world and we applaud the efforts of everyone involved in this worthwhile initiative."
