Hibs have pledged to be “The Greenest Club in Scotland” in support of action to combat climate change – in a move which has been welcomed by The Scottish Government.
The Edinburgh club has become the first in Scotland to participate in the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, and only the second in the UK with Forest Green already signed up.
This promotes action in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, which was signed by almost 200 countries in 2015.
The club already buys 100 per cent renewable electricity, and its waste management recycling efforts are ranked first in Scotland and third in British football behind Forest Green and Manchester United.
As well as being accepted to membership of the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework the club is working with Circular Edinburgh on engaging in the circular economy; and will also throw its weight behind the City of Edinburgh Council’s declared aim of making Scotland’s Capital carbon neutral by 2030.
Every aspect of the club’s activities will be reviewed, with a determination to achieve overall carbon neutrality.
The Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change Roseanna Cunningham said: “I welcome Hibernian FC’s pledge to be a leader in helping to combat climate change. The club is setting an excellent example, and as our national game, football – with its unique reach and impact – has a great opportunity to demonstrate leadership on this crucial issue. I hope other football clubs will follow Hibs’ lead.”
Leeann Dempster, Hibernian FC Chief Executive, said: “We are already leading the way in Scottish football in a number of areas in terms of trying to protect our environment, but like almost every other organisation there is much more we can do – and as a high-profile organisation we can help raise awareness of this.
“We are looking at all aspects of our organisation with a view to improving what we do – right across the spectrum from transport to energy to waste. We will do what we can for our own business, and we want to work in partnerships with other organisations – large and small – who want to make a real difference in this area.
“Our pledge is straightforward. We believe the power and appeal of football in Scotland can help provide leadership and momentum. Let’s tackle climate change – it’s a challenge we need to make.
“Our new majority shareholder and Chairman, Ron Gordon, is determined that the Club will always seek to be an exemplar of responsible conduct, serving our community, and he is 100 per cent supportive of this initiative.
“We will be engaging with the wider business and sporting community in Edinburgh to see how we can forge partnerships that will maximise the impact we can all have in this vitally important area.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
