Manchester City Football Club - A Strategic Approach to Sustainability Leadership
- Posted By The Growth Company
Manchester City Football Club (MCFC) continues to set the standard in sustainable operations across the global sports sector. Based at the Etihad Campus, the club is embedding sustainability into its core business strategy, demonstrating how elite football can deliver measurable environmental, social and economic value. With a target to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030, MCFC is significantly ahead of both regional and national climate goals.
MCFC achieved a 16% reduction in carbon emissions in 2023 through a series of operational changes that optimised energy use and reduce environmental impact, including elimination of single use plastics and a complete phase out across the Etihad Campus, reducing waste and operational costs. They also focussed on energy and water efficiency, investing in conservation measures to reduce utility consumption across facilities.
The club deployed of a dedicated matchday bus network across Greater Manchester to encourage non-car travel, as well as enhanced bike rack infrastructure to encourage cycling. Promotion of walking routes such as the City Link are heavily promoted in an effort to reduce emissions from travel. These efforts contribute to lower operating expenses and position MCFC as a low carbon leader in the entertainment industry.
MCFC has turned the Etihad Campus into a biodiverse urban space supporting over 500 species. It has created wildflower meadows, bee banks and sand mounds to encourage pollination and ecological diversity.
By planting native trees and maintaining deadwood areas, the club supports local ecosystems while enhancing the value of its green infrastructure. This strategy delivers both environmental impact and community benefit.
In March 2024, MCFC announced a major solar energy project at the City Football Academy. Over 10,500 panels will be installed to fully power the site with clean energy.
This move enhances energy self sufficiency, supports local grid resilience and cements MCFC’s leadership in clean technology within the sports industry.
Sustainability is embedded in the club’s governance and reporting processes. With over 20 years of focused work and public accountability, MCFC treats sustainability as a long-term business priority. The 20th Annual Sustainability Report, released in 2024, highlights progress in areas that matter locally. It reinforces the club’s belief that responsible operations drive innovation, resilience and stakeholder trust.