Sustainability in sport: Why it has become a strategic priority

Written by: James Paull, Client Strategies Partners | Last updated: 29.07.2026

From extreme heat affecting athletes, to water stewardship, emissions reduction and fan travel – sustainability is no longer a niche issue in sport, it’s becoming central to how organisations operate, compete and engage with supporters.

Sport has an unparalleled ability to inspire millions of people. But it also has a significant environmental footprint and is increasingly exposed to the impacts of climate change itself.

Sport is the ultimate example of a sector that must consider what we call ‘Double Materiality’. Sports clubs themselves, and their financial performance, are impacted by climate change, but the sport itself is also impacting the environment. It therefore has an inward and an outward impact.

From football stadiums and racecourses to golf clubs, governing bodies and major international tournaments, organisations across the sporting landscape are recognising that sustainability is no longer simply about reducing carbon emissions. It is about building resilient organisations that can continue to thrive in a changing climate while meeting growing expectations from fans, sponsors, investors and regulators.

Sustainability is changing the way sport operates

As I write, the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games are demonstrating how major sporting events can be delivered with sustainability at their core. Designed as a streamlined Games, Glasgow is making greater use of existing venues, significantly reducing the need for new construction and the associated environmental impacts while aiming to leave a positive legacy for local communities.

Alongside a more compact event footprint, organisers placed a strong emphasis on sustainable transport, responsible procurement, waste reduction and community engagement. The Games highlights a growing shift across the sporting sector: that successful events are increasingly measured not only by athletic achievement, but also by how effectively they minimise environmental impacts, maximise social value and create long-term benefits for host cities.(1)

Equally, Wimbledon 2026 once again demonstrated how sustainability has become embedded within one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events. Alongside continued efforts to encourage public transport, reduce single-use plastics and improve waste management, the Championships also had to contend with increasingly warm summer conditions, highlighting the importance of climate adaptation as well as emissions reduction. (2)

These examples reinforce an important point: sustainability in sport is no longer just about minimising environmental impact. It is about ensuring events, venues and organisations remain resilient in the face of changing environmental conditions. It’s also increasingly important to meet the expectations of an ever-demanding fan base.

Climate change is becoming a sporting issue

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly visible across the sporting calendar.

Higher summer temperatures are affecting athlete performance and spectator comfort. More frequent extreme weather events are disrupting fixtures and increasing operational risks. Water availability is becoming a growing concern for sports such as golf, cricket and horse racing, where high-quality playing surfaces depend on careful resource management.

For many organisations, climate resilience is now becoming just as important as climate mitigation.

This means asking questions such as:

• Are our venues prepared for more frequent heatwaves?
• How resilient are our facilities to flooding or extreme weather?
• Can we reduce our dependence on water-intensive maintenance?
• Are we considering future climate risks within investment decisions?

These considerations increasingly sit alongside traditional sustainability initiatives such as carbon reduction and waste management.

Carbon still matters…but it is only one part of the picture

Measuring greenhouse gas emissions remains one of the most important foundations of any sustainability programme.

Understanding emissions enables organisations to identify their largest impacts, prioritise investment and prepare for increasing reporting requirements.

Typical emissions sources across sport include:

• Energy used in stadiums and venues
• Team and business travel
• Spectator transport
• Food and beverage operations
• Merchandise and retail
• Construction and refurbishment projects
• Supply chains and purchased goods

For many major sporting events, spectator travel continues to represent the largest source of emissions, often accounting for well over half of the total carbon footprint.

Establishing a robust emissions baseline allows organisations to make informed decisions rather than relying on assumptions.

Water is rapidly rising up the agenda

While carbon often dominates sustainability discussions, water is becoming an increasingly important issue for many sporting organisations.

Golf courses, cricket grounds, racecourses and training facilities all rely on significant water resources to maintain playing conditions. Increasing periods of drought and changing rainfall patterns mean organisations are beginning to invest in:

• Water efficiency programmes
• Rainwater harvesting
• Smart irrigation systems
• Drought-resistant landscaping
• Improved monitoring and leak detection

Managing water responsibly is becoming an operational necessity rather than simply an environmental initiative.

Fans, sponsors and investors expect more

Expectations have changed dramatically over the past decade.

Supporters increasingly expect their clubs and governing bodies to demonstrate environmental leadership. Sponsors are looking to partner with organisations that reflect their own sustainability ambitions. Investors are placing greater emphasis on ESG performance and climate-related risks.

For listed organisations, sustainability performance also increasingly influences ESG ratings and disclosure expectations.

Demonstrating credible progress requires more than publishing ambitious commitments; it requires reliable data, transparent reporting and clear evidence of action.

Looking ahead

Sport has always been about inspiring people and bringing communities together.

As climate change increasingly affects both the way sport is delivered and the environments in which it is played, sustainability is becoming fundamental to protecting the future of sport itself.

Whether organisations are measuring emissions, improving water stewardship, adapting to rising temperatures or preparing for new reporting requirements, those taking meaningful action today will be best placed to thrive tomorrow.

At Simply Sustainable, we support sports organisations, governing bodies and venues in developing practical sustainability strategies that go beyond compliance and help them build resilience, engage stakeholders and deliver measurable environmental and social impact.

1 https://www.glasgow2026.com/about/story-of-change

2. https://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/about/sustainability