GEORDIES TO LEAD FIGHT IN CLIMATE CHANGE
HANWELL Town have committed to becoming a ‘net zero carbon’ football club – and hope to lead other Non-League clubs into the fight against climate change.
The Isthmian League South Central club have appointed Thom Rawson as their chief sustainability officer, which they believe is the first of its kind in the world of football.
The Geordies have signed up to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework which has five aims to unite the global sporting community to play their part in climate change.
They are to undertake systematic efforts to promote greater environmental responsibility, educe overall climate impact, education for climate action, promote sustainable and responsible consumption, and advocate for climate action through communication.
Rawson, the founder of Sustainable Football, has taken on his new role on a voluntary basis to help Hanwell achieve their environment ambitions.
“This kind of commitment will become the norm across football clubs,” he said, “regardless of size or stature, and I’m delighted that we’ve taken the first step in our journey to become a net zero football club.”
The club has already installed new bike racks at their ground, are sourcing reusable cups for beer and when the time comes they will change their ground maintenance machinery to electric while also replacing their current floodlight bulbs to LEDs.
Hanwell CEO Nigel Hunt added: “This is a community club with a friendly atmosphere. We’re dedicated to improving both on and off the pitch, and today’s commitment is a testament to that.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what ideas we can generate, and how we can involve our whole footballing family.”