Roger Hampel
Photo Credit: Udinese Calcio
Udinese Calcio, in collaboration with the Marevivo Foundation and BAT Italy, has launched an ambitious campaign titled One Mission, One Planet to revolutionize sustainability in football. The initiative, backed by start-up JustOnEarth and supported by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, aims to transform Bluenergy Stadium into Italy’s first smoke-free sports facility, promoting environmental responsibility and reducing CO₂ emissions.
Tackling Football’s Environmental Impact Udinese Calcio Smoke-free
Football’s cultural and social influence is undeniable, but its environmental footprint is equally significant. European football alone generates approximately 750,000 tons of waste annually, highlighting the urgent need for sustainability initiatives in the sport. Udinese Calcio’s One Mission, One Planet campaign addresses this by:
• Encouraging responsible fan behavior to reduce waste.
• Promoting sustainable transportation options, such as car sharing and electric vehicles.
• Launching a fan awareness campaign during the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons.
• Monitoring air quality and littering impact using satellite data provided by JustOnEarth.
“Football has the power to unite people, and with that comes an opportunity to drive meaningful change,” said Udinese Calcio Managing Director Franco Collavino. “Achieving sustainability is one of our goals as a club, and this initiative is a testament to our commitment.”
A Multi-Stakeholder Approach
The campaign’s success is built on collaboration between Marevivo Foundation, BAT Italy, and other key stakeholders. This partnership reflects the broader commitment to align with EU directive 2464/2022, which emphasizes improved environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting by football clubs.
Udinese Calcio’s leading ESG rating in Italy underpins its position as a forerunner in sustainable football:
• Fan Participation Fans are encouraged to pledge their support by signing the Fan Manifesto at www.onemissiononeplanet.it. The campaign also features matchday videos, signage, and digital updates, emphasizing the importance of small actions in achieving significant environmental outcomes.
• Data-Driven Accountability Through satellite technology, One Mission, One Planet will analyze the environmental impact of matchdays at Bluenergy Stadium, sharing insights to ensure transparency and track progress.
Industry and Community Support
BAT Italy’s global strategy, A Better Tomorrow, aligns seamlessly with the campaign’s objectives. Andrea Di Paolo, BAT Italy’s Corporate & Regulatory Affairs Director, stated: “This initiative sets the stage for a broader transformation across Serie A stadiums, fostering innovation and sustainability.”
Marevivo General Secretary Raffaella Giugni added: “Sport has a unique role in raising environmental awareness. Together, we can kick out pollution and protect both our planet and our health.”
A Model for Sustainable Football
The One Mission, One Planet campaign positions Udinese Calcio as a leader in integrating sustainability with football. By reducing waste and promoting smoke-free stadiums, the initiative serves as a model for other clubs across Europe.
As football clubs face growing regulatory and societal pressure to adopt sustainable practices, campaigns like this underscore the sport’s potential to drive environmental and social change. For Udinese Calcio, the journey toward a smoke-free and eco-friendly stadium is just beginning, but it’s a promising step toward a greener future.
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