Sky’s Game Zero Achieves Net Zero Status

Sky has revealed that Game Zero, the Premier League match held between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in September, achieved net-zero carbon emissions.

Working in partnership with Tottenham and alongside independent carbon specialists RSK and Natural Capital Partners, Sky set the target of hosting the world’s first net zero carbon football game at an elite level, whilst also aiming to inspire millions of fans watching on simple ways, they can reduce their own carbon footprint.

Net zero was achieved by first measuring the baseline emissions of a match held at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium then lowering those emissions as much as possible and offsetting any that could not be reduced with the support of Natural Capital Partners, through a community reforestation project in East Africa, which will remove carbon emissions from our atmosphere.

The result was net zero carbon emissions caused by the game, and a blueprint for teams and athletes around the world to use, as they look to find ways to reduce their environmental impact.

Sky is on the journey to be net zero carbon by 2030, and to get there has committed to support its partners, suppliers, and customers to do the same. Sky believes that to secure a net zero future it has a responsibility to share its learnings transparently and measure against science-based targets.

How emissions from Game Zero were reduced:

• Players arrived at the ground on coaches powered by green biodiesel which helped lower squad travel emissions by over 80%

• We estimate that fans walked 36,000 miles and drove 225,000 miles in electric or hybrid cars to and from the game

• On matchday, everything at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (including heating and cooking) was powered by 100% renewable energy – electricity and green gas

• All food served inside the stadium was locally and sustainably sourced with 94% more vegetarian and plant-based meals sold at this match, compared to the baseline game

• Sky achieved a 70% reduction in emissions from the Sky Sports production crew covering the match

Jonathan Licht, Managing Director at Sky Sports said: “We hope that Game Zero is the first of many major net zero carbon sporting events and will inspire long-term change. At Sky Sports, we’re committed to minimising our impact on the environment and to use the power of sport for good. By sharing our findings, we want to further inspire football clubs, sports organisations, athletes and fans across the world to reduce their own carbon impact.” 

Daniel Levy, Chairman, Tottenham Hotspur, added: “We are extremely proud to have been involved with Game Zero, working alongside Sky to utilise our collective platforms and show leadership on a key issue that is affecting us all. We thank our fans for their support of the initiative and taking such positive actions around the matchday. It is important to note that none of the measures that were implemented around Game Zero were a one-off – we continue to assess all of our operations and identify ways to reduce our carbon footprint as a Club moving forward.”

Tom Popple, Senior Manager, Climate Change & Sustainability at Natural Capital Partners said: “We were delighted to work with our long-term partner Sky, to offset emissions from Game Zero and help raise awareness of the need to reduce emissions in sport. Sky takes a robust approach to measuring, reducing and offsetting emissions and always challenge themselves to go further. We hope that this activity inspires others to follow their lead.”