It's Climate Week in Wales! The perfect opportunity to highlight what Sport Wales is doing to combat climate change and the role everyone involved in sport in Wales can play.
We are committed to achieving net zero by 2030 and creating a greener, stronger and fairer Wales.
What impact does sport have on the planet?
We have all felt the impact of climate change on sport in Wales, with games and events canceled or postponed due to flooded pitches or extreme heat. But how does sport contribute to the climate problem?
Sport may not come to mind when you think of emissions and pollution, but believe it or not, its global carbon footprint is equivalent to that of a medium-sized country, accounting for an estimated 0.8% of the world's, according to the Rapid Transition Alliance emissions. Two of the main contributors to the problem in sport are energy consumption and travel (participants and spectators).
How does Sport Wales help tackle climate change?
It has become a Sport Wales priority to reduce our own carbon footprint, whilst supporting and encouraging sports clubs and other organizations in the sector to make sustainable changes themselves.
Here are some of the steps being taken…
Energy saving subsidy
Earlier this year, with funding from the Welsh Government, we were able to offer sports clubs the opportunity to apply for our Energy Saving Grant. Sports clubs could apply for a grant of up to £25,000, which could be used to cover the cost of energy saving measures such as installing solar panels or better insulation.
Those who are successful with their applications not only benefit from lower electricity bills and thus become more financially viable, but also make a contribution to the environment. We will announce details of the clubs that have received funding shortly.
Capital financing
Community clubs are not the only ones receiving green investment from Sport Wales. Part of our 2023/24 Welsh Government capital funding went towards funding energy sustainability in leisure centers and sports facilities. Solar panels and heat distribution fans are some of the eco-friendly solutions being installed at various leisure facilities across Wales to reduce their electricity bills while becoming more environmentally friendly. We will announce full details of these projects soon.
Electric pool carts
Hwyl fawr fossil fuels and helo green energy! Sport Wales has invested in a fleet of electric pool cars to reduce our emissions when we are on the move. Our staff and partners at the Sport Wales National Center in Cardiff can use these vehicles with the confidence that they are more environmentally friendly.
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