Argyle Begin Journey to Net Zero Emissions

On Earth Day 2022, Plymouth Argyle and the Argyle Community Trust are delighted to announce the launch of our inaugural Energy and Environmental Plan, which serves as the blueprint for Argyle’s journey to net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

The theme for Earth Day this year is ‘Invest In Our Planet’, underlining the catastrophic implications of failing to reach net zero by the middle of the century. Through our first ever Environmental Plan, which spans 2022-2025, the club will take measurable steps towards halving our emissions by 2030, with a long-term target of achieving net zero by 2050.

Argyle’s Head of Venue, Christian Kent, said: “As a prominent organisation in our region, it’s vital that we lead from the front in terms of taking action to arrest climate change, as well as encouraging others to do the same, and that work has already started.

“When we talk about becoming a sustainable Championship club, we don’t just mean financially – and there has never been a more important time to play our part.”

The full Energy and Environmental Plan is now available for public viewing by clicking here, and has eight main areas of focus, including: gas, electricity, water, fuel, waste, business travel, nature, and procurement.

While April 22 marks the formal launch of the policy, there has already been significant investment in some of the focus areas, including the decision to offer paper, not plastic, bags in the Argyle Superstore, the installation of energy-saving LED lights throughout the stadium, and a recently- announced partnership with Too Good to Go, ensuring that surplus food from events and match-days at Home Park does not go to waste.

The club and Trust are now also signatories to the Network Net Zero Community, which is aligned to the United Nations’ Race to Zero initiative. Early activities at the club also include the implementation of an emissions dashboard, education of all staff and players, dedicated environmental champions for each department, and engagement with club sponsors to encourage truly sustainable partnerships.

In the medium to longer term, the club will phase out existing unsustainable contracts with services and suppliers, replacing them wherever possible with sustainable alternatives. This includes the use of 100% renewable electricity contracts, eradicating the use of gas for heating and fuel, and changing club-owned or leased vehicles and technology to electric or hydrogen powered alternatives.

Andrew Parkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Plymouth Argyle and Trustee of the Argyle Community Trust, said: “We are delighted to be making this public commitment on Earth Day, and hope it serves to underline our commitment to the environment.

“Argyle plays a huge role in the local community – and not just on Saturday afternoons. The club and Trust have a vast reach throughout Devon and Cornwall, and it is vital that we do everything we can to play our part in preserving our environment for generations to come. Our Plan outlines the steps required to take us on the journey to net zero.

“We talk a lot about, and truly believe in, our Values, and there is no cause greater than our planet. We at Argyle must do our bit to effect change.”