The Edinburgh Reporter

Green energy is priority for Hibs

- By JOHN HISLOP

HIBS HAVE joined Manchester United and Forest Green Rovers as the top three greenest clubs in the UK.

Currently 100% of Hibs’ energy is from renewable sources and the club are currently investigat­ing biomass and ground source heat pump options at the Hibernian High Performanc­e Centre with the potential for a solar PV farm on the campus.

Photo courtesy of Hibernian FC

All matchday waste is recycled and vegan options are available in stadiums kiosks. Further plant-based options are being added.

Hibs have also removed all single use plastics across catering including; straws, sauce sachets, stirrers and food containers.

They will also electrify the current club fleet to electric vehicles will save around 3% of the club’s current CO2 output.

Hibs are also aligned to the integrated travel plan launched by Edinburgh City Council and aim to reduce the current 48% of attendees who travel by car to matches through travel partners. Electric charging points to be installed around Easter Road Stadium with free parking initiative­s for EV’s on match days.

Social and environmen­tal activation­s are now at the heart of all commercial conversati­ons and Hibs will be adopting sustainabl­e procuremen­t policies working with club partners to develop improved products and services.

Football provides a global platform to promote sustainabl­e and responsibl­e consumptio­n. This provides the club and their partners with a unique opportunit­y to be leading advocates of climate action.

Hibs have a proud history of innovation. They were the first club in Scotland to build the iconic pylon style floodlight­s, the first British club to take part in the European Cup, the first to allow shirt sponsorshi­p on their jersey, the first to install undersoil heating and now as ‘The Greenest Club in Scotland’ they aim provide leadership and collaborat­e with others to encourage them to follow suit.

Other initiative­s include moving toward becoming a cashless stadium, becoming the first club in the UK to launch a ‘Thank You NHS’ strip then arranging an NHS Day where staff get free tickets.

Hibs has also joined forces with cancer charity, Cahonas Scotland, pledging to encourage every male player and supporter to perform regular self-checks.

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