Being one of the greenest Formula E teams (well, purple too!), we at Envision Virgin Racing are always keen to showcase the work of others in highlighting climate change.
Forest Green Rovers may not be as well known as the likes of Real Madrid or Manchester City, but when it comes to sustainability they are the world leaders…literally! That’s because they have been certified by the FIFA as ‘the greenest football team in the world’, as well as being the only vegan football club in existence . That’s a tremendous achievement for a League Two club!
Located in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, the team – led by Chairman Dale Vince – have sustainability at the heart of everything they do – just like Envision Virgin Racing through their Race Against Climate Change initiative. And when they say everything, they mean EVERYTHING! From solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, to their vegan match day menu and even bamboo shin-pads. They’ve even been certified carbon neutral by the UN.
“We’ve brought sustainability into the world of football,” says Dale. “We capture the water from underneath the pitch and put it back on so we don’t waste water and don’t waste nutrients. We even make 20% of our electricity here on site from solar panels.”
It really is an impressive set up as our very own Sam Bird discovered when we sent him along to learn more about the club, as well as have a little kick-about! “Everyone at Envision Virgin Racing massively believes in sustainability and can appreciate what this club is trying to do,” says Sam. “So when I got told about this opportunity I jumped at the chance to get some training done, not only because I love my football but because of what the club represents.”
So be sure to watch how Sam got on and hopefully it will inspire you to think green whatever sport you enjoy.
Our sincere thanks to Forest Green Rovers for helping to make this happen. To find out more about them click here
And, if this has inspired you to want to do more to protect our amazing oceans then head over to our Race Against Climate Change section to learn more.
