Richmond Football Club has today launched its inaugural 2022-2024 Environmental Sustainability Action Plan (ESAP) in what is a first across the AFL industry.

The detailed action plan has outlined how Richmond will deliver on its United Nations’ Sports for Climate Action Initiative commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.

The ESAP identifies how Richmond will contribute to critical environmental focus areas, including sustainable material sourcing, waste management, biodiversity, and climate leadership.

Further, the Club will use its reach, which spans 800 staff across its business, 123 footballers, over 100,000 members, 500,000 supporters nationwide, and over 30 commercial partners, to encourage climate action and build environmental awareness.

In the shorter term, Richmond has committed to a 25% greenhouse gas emissions decrease by 2024 and 50% by 2030.

Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing our planet.

“Sport and football are not exempt from the impacts of climate change and Richmond Football Club is now fully committed to action,” Gale said.

“This industry-first Environmental Sustainability Action Plan is a significant step forward in our climate action commitments.

“While we have taken some steps in the sustainability space, this plan ensures transparency and accountability around this necessary work and will serve as a tool to inspire change in our sphere of influence.”

The Club has already commenced essential changes on its journey to net-zero, including undertaking greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions measurements with Australian Circular Economy Solutions to establish the Club’s GHG emissions baseline.

Richmond has installed solar panels on the roof of its Swinburne Centre home generating considerable renewable energy for the Club. The Tigers have also been utilising grey water from the MCG for its Swinburne Centre home, reducing the Club’s water consumption by up to 50%.

The Club has ceased using plastic straws, plastic cups, and plastic water coolers as well as single-use plastic bags at the Roar Store.

Among other aspects laid out in the ESAP, senior players Nick Vlastuin, Hugo Ralphsmith, and Poppy Kelly have also come on board as ambassadors.

Vlastuin is also an ambassador for the Club’s Tiger conservation efforts. He has recently travelled to Indonesia and India as part of this work.

Read the Richmond Football Club’s 2022-2024 Environmental Sustainability Action Plan here.