Sustainability in Sport: How Football, tennis, Golf, Padel, and Other

Discover how sustainability is reshaping football, basketball, tennis, golf, padel and other sports through environmental action, social inclusion and greater accessibility.

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Environmental Stewardship

If we look closely at the world of sports today, it’s clear that meaningful change toward environmental sustainability is powered by a wave of innovation.

Technology isn’t just about faster times or better stats anymore – it’s at the heart of how clubs and organisations are rethinking their environmental impact. From smarter stadiums that use less energy and innovative ticketing that cuts down on paper waste, to new ways for fans to travel to games more sustainably, the entire ecosystem is evolving.

The numbers back it up: research from Corvinus University of Budapest in Hungary shows that technological progress is making a significant difference in how sports handle their environmental responsibilities. But it’s not just about gadgets and data. As teams and leagues race to adopt the latest tech, experts are starting to ask tough questions about how all this innovation affects both the spirit of competition and the fan experience. They stress the importance of building fair, democratic rules to guide these changes, ensuring that the push for greener, smarter sports benefits everyone and keeps the game true to its roots.

Some contemporary examples of this advancement in technological sustainability include:

The 2026 FIFA World Cup stadiums

13 of 16 venues have earned LEED green-building certification. Together, they’ve installed over 11,500 solar panels, will save over 100 million gallons of potable water annually, and are expected to eliminate more than 5 million single-use plastics. Four venues are reusing, recycling, or composting nearly all waste. FIFA has committed to reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2040.

Wimbledon

The All England Club has run a comprehensive sustainability programme for years. It has taken significant steps to reduce single-use plastics across the grounds, introduced reusable alternatives and refill stations, and uses renewable electricity to power the majority of its operations. Wimbledon also has initiatives focused on sustainable food and waste management, as well as electric vehicle infrastructure. The All England Lawn Tennis Club has committed to achieving net-zero operational emissions by 2030, with a broader goal of reaching net zero across its supply chain by 2040.

sustainable sports — @Oliver Sjostrom via Unsplash

The Genesis Scottish Open (DP World Tour)

The 2026 Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club is using green hydrogen and solar power as part of an ambitious sustainability programme. Two 250kWh hydrogen power units (HPUs) with battery storage are powering hospitality and merchandise infrastructure, including big screens and the Genesis Public Lounge, while a separate HPU powers the entire broadcast compound. The switch from diesel generators is estimated to save around 16,200 kg of CO₂e. The Fan Village’s main stage and merchandise shop are also powered by solar energy. The tournament’s wider sustainability programme includes water refill stations, locally sourced food and food-waste reduction initiatives.

FIBA Sustainability Strategy 2025–2029

FIBA launched a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy for 2025–2029 covering environmental responsibility, social impact, governance and economic sustainability. Its environmental priorities include climate, resources, waste, mobility and biodiversity, while its social priorities include safeguarding, integrity, diversity and inclusion, women in basketball, youth development and community impact. A key target is to embed sustainability principles into the planning, delivery and legacy of major competitions, beginning with the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 and the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027. FIBA is also working with its National Federations and wider basketball community to advance sustainability across the sport.

Men’s EHF EURO 2026 – “Pure Promise”

Co-hosted by Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, the Men’s EHF EURO 2026 set a new benchmark for sustainability in handball. Through the shared “Pure Promise” sustainability concept, the tournament focused on seven areas: water, food and beverages, transportation, reuse and recycling, waste, fan engagement, and data collection and emissions reporting. Initiatives included reusable drinking bottles, water-refill stations, sustainable transport, waste reduction, fan education and climate-impact measurement.

The International Padel Federation (FIP)

The International Padel Federation has made sustainability a priority in its strategic planning, with a sustainability programme focused on integrating sustainability into its operations, fostering social responsibility, minimising environmental impact, and ensuring the long-term viability of the sport. FIP has also supported environmental initiatives through its tournaments and wider activities, including projects aimed at promoting environmental responsibility and biodiversity.

Promoting social inclusion and equality

Experts believe that engaging in eco-conscious sports can promote physical and mental health and create a sense of personal responsibility toward the environment. In accordance with a sustainable vision of sports, sports should serve as a valuable platform for education, behaviour change, and community engagement in the context of climate change mitigation. Sadly, women in sports still encounter complex barriers that shape their journeys and experiences.

An analysis led by Dr Sridevi Magapu, Associate Professor of Physical Education, AMS, Arts & Science College for Women, Hyderabad, demonstrates the deep-seated historical biases and longstanding institutional hurdles that continue to influence who gets to play, compete, and excel. Many women athletes find themselves at a disadvantage due to lower investment in their development. From grassroots to professional levels, female sports programs frequently receive less funding, fewer resources, and limited access to high-quality facilities and coaching compared to their male counterparts.

Fortunately, significant changes seem to have been made in recent years. A paper by Dafna Kaufman, Department of Communication, University of North Carolina, reports that in the 2020s, women’s sports have undergone a remarkable transformation — both in visibility and in real, structural progress. The Paris 2024 Olympics stood out as a landmark event, marking the first time in history that women and men competed in equal numbers, symbolising a powerful step toward true gender parity on the world’s biggest athletic stage.

This momentum goes beyond the Olympics: established professional leagues like the WNBA have grown in popularity and influence, while returning leagues such as the PWHL and new ventures like the Unrivalled 3v3 basketball league have captured fans’ imaginations, selling out events before they even begin. As highlighted by women’s sports media, 2024 wasn’t just another year — it stood for a defining moment, with the movement for women’s sports gaining unprecedented traction and sparking genuine change.

Inclusive access and engagement

Sport is meant to be a universal language — one that welcomes everyone, breaking down barriers of background, identity, or circumstance. The United Nations makes it clear: playing and enjoying sport, free from discrimination, is a basic human right. This vision is echoed in the Olympic Charter, which holds non-discrimination at its core, and by the International Olympic Committee, which recognises the duty of all sporting bodies to uphold and promote human rights.

Yet, turning these ideals into reality remains a significant challenge. Racism, inequality, and exclusion persist in arenas across the globe. Too many people, from athletes living in poverty to those with disabilities, refugees, women, indigenous peoples, and members of the LGBTIQ+ community, still face obstacles to fair participation. The Human Rights Council and UN Human Rights have championed resolutions and initiatives aimed at eradicating racism and intolerance from sport, but the journey is far from over.

Progress is being made, though. Organisations like the World Players Association — representing over 85,000 athletes worldwide — are working closely with international agencies to empower players to stand up for their rights and hold institutions accountable. Through partnerships, advocacy, and concrete action, the goal is to ensure that sporting fields and courts truly reflect the principles of equality, dignity, and inclusivity for all.

Sustainability in sport is becoming standard practice — major events (FIFA, Wimbledon, FIBA, EHF) are adopting green certifications, net-zero targets, and circular economy pledges. Social inclusion is also advancing, with better gender parity and accessibility at top events. The foundation is set, but continued investment and accountability are needed to keep the momentum.