Carbon compensation is an increasingly vital strategy for organisations aiming to mitigate their environmental impact. In the sports industry, this approach is gaining traction as companies implement initiatives to offset their carbon footprints while promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.
A group of professional runners training at dawn through a forest. AI generated image.
Carbon compensation
Carbon compensation, or carbon offsetting, is an essential strategy for organisations aiming to mitigate their environmental impact. By investing in projects that actively reduce or remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere, businesses can effectively balance their carbon footprints and address emissions that are difficult to eliminate. This approach supports the achievement of sustainability goals while fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
Through initiatives such as reforestation, renewable energy projects, and conservation efforts, companies can not only contribute to a healthier planet but also create economic opportunities that benefit local communities. By integrating carbon compensation into their business models, organisations demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and enhancing their overall brand reputation. This collective effort can lead to meaningful progress toward a more sustainable future.
Carbon compensation in sports
Carbon compensation in the sports industry is increasingly recognised as a vital component of sustainability, with organisations actively engaging in initiatives to mitigate their carbon footprint. By investing in projects such as reforestation, sports organisations not only compensate for their carbon footprints but also inspire fans and stakeholders to adopt environmentally responsible practices. Let’s take a look at four sports companies making progress in carbon compensation and setting industry standards.
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Adidas
Adidas is at the forefront of sustainability initiatives, particularly in carbon compensation, as part of its overarching strategy. The company aims for climate neutrality across its entire value chain by 2050, with an ambitious interim goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 from a 2017 baseline. In 2022, Adidas successfully cut down on its CO₂ emissions by 36,000 metric tonnes, showcasing its commitment to achieving these targets.
Adidas, a pioneering sports brand in crafting running shoes from recycled ocean plastic. Image credit: Adidas.
A cornerstone of Adidas's approach is its use of renewable energy; as of 2022, 99% of its European factories are powered by renewable sources, significantly reducing operational emissions. The company also engages in sustainable product design and circular economy initiatives, with over 20 million pairs of shoes made from recycled materials in 2022 alone.
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To further its carbon offset efforts, Adidas collaborates with organisations like Climate Impact Partners, investing in projects that focus on clean energy, reforestation, and sustainable agriculture. Notably, Adidas supports projects that provide clean cooking solutions in regions with high carbon emissions, which not only compensates for emissions but also improves health and economic conditions in local communities.
Moreover, Adidas is actively involved in initiatives that promote transparency and accountability in carbon offsetting. For instance, it reports its carbon footprint through third-party verification processes to ensure the integrity of its offset projects. By integrating these diverse initiatives, Adidas exemplifies a comprehensive approach to carbon compensation, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability that resonates with consumers and stakeholders alike.
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ASICS
ASICS is dedicated to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with a clear roadmap that includes significant carbon compensation initiatives. The company has set an interim target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 63% by 2030, based on a 2015 baseline. To support these goals, ASICS actively invests in various carbon offset projects, particularly those focused on reforestation and sustainable practices.
ASICS partnered with One Tree Planted to plant over 75,000 trees. Image credit: ASICS.
For example, ASICS has committed to investing in projects that restore degraded forests and promote biodiversity, which play a critical role in absorbing CO₂ from the atmosphere.
ASICS is amplifying its environmental commitment through tree-planting initiatives, partnering with organisations like One Tree Planted. This collaboration supports reforestation projects around the world, allowing ASICS participants to make a measurable difference by contributing to global sustainability efforts.
ASICS is also working towards the certification of its carbon offset projects under globally recognised standards such as the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and the Climate, Community & Biodiversity Standards (CCB), ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of its offsetting efforts.
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In its 2022 sustainability report, ASICS highlighted its progress in reducing operational emissions by 24% compared to 2015 levels, primarily through energy efficiency improvements and increased use of renewable energy sources across its facilities. Furthermore, ASICS has initiated partnerships aimed at enhancing its carbon offset strategies, including collaborations with environmental organisations that facilitate local community involvement in sustainable forestry practices.
Through these initiatives, ASICS not only aims to balance its residual carbon emissions but also reinforces its commitment to environmental stewardship, thereby aligning its brand with the growing consumer demand for sustainable practices in the sports industry. By transparently reporting its sustainability efforts and engaging in impactful carbon compensation projects, ASICS is setting a strong example for corporate responsibility in the global market.
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Nike
Nike’s commitment to sustainability is exemplified by its Move to Zero initiative, which aims for zero carbon and zero waste across its global operations. As part of this initiative, Nike focuses heavily on carbon compensation strategies to mitigate its environmental impact. The company has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, compared to 2015 levels, as it works towards a future of carbon neutrality.
Nike transforms plastic waste into stylish sneakers through its bold Move to Zero program. Image credit: Nike.
To achieve these goals, Nike has established partnerships with organisations that specialise in carbon offsetting. For instance, in collaboration with Environmental Finance (EFM), Nike has committed to compensating for its carbon emissions through projects that include reforestation and sustainable agricultural practices. Nike's investments in carbon offset projects are expected to reduce emissions by approximately 60,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ annually.
In 2022, Nike reported that its facilities operated on 100% renewable energy in the United States, further reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, Nike has launched several initiatives to promote circularity and sustainability in its products, including using recycled materials in over 50% of its products and targeting 100% recycled polyester in all its footwear and apparel by 2025. These efforts not only enhance product sustainability but also contribute to significant reductions in Nike's overall emissions.
Nike’s transparent reporting on sustainability progress highlights its ongoing commitment to carbon compensation. The company’s integration of verified carbon offset projects ensures that its initiatives effectively balance the remaining emissions it cannot eliminate through operational efficiencies. Through Move to Zero, Nike exemplifies how major corporations can embrace sustainability and environmental responsibility while meeting the demands of conscious consumers.
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Forest Green Rovers
Forest Green Rovers (FGR), recognised as the world’s greenest football club, has committed to achieving full carbon neutrality, making significant strides in carbon compensation initiatives. The club's comprehensive sustainability strategy includes a commitment to becoming carbon neutral across all operations by 2025. This ambition is underpinned by a robust set of initiatives that focus on renewable energy, sustainable practices, and community engagement.
FGR has made significant investments in renewable energy, including the installation of solar panels that generate enough electricity to power their entire stadium. This initiative not only reduces the club's carbon footprint but also contributes to the overall sustainability of the local community. Additionally, FGR has implemented a sustainable pitch management plan that involves using organic methods and minimising the use of synthetic fertilisers, thus reducing harmful emissions associated with traditional maintenance practices.
Forest Green Rover’s new Eco Park Stadium is planning to be World’s first Net Zero stadium. Image credit: Zaha Hadid Architecture.
In terms of carbon compensation, Forest Green Rovers actively participates in projects aimed at forest conservation and reforestation. The club offsets approximately 10,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ each year by investing in verified carbon offset projects, particularly through partnerships focused on protecting and restoring forests. One notable project involves supporting forest conservation in the UK, which helps absorb carbon dioxide while promoting biodiversity.
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Furthermore, FGR has partnered with the United Nations’ Climate Neutral Now initiative, which emphasises the importance of measuring, reducing, and offsetting carbon emissions. The club's commitment to sustainability is also reflected in its efforts to promote plant-based diets among fans, as it offers entirely vegan food options at its stadium, contributing to lower carbon emissions associated with food production.
Through these initiatives, Forest Green Rovers not only exemplifies leadership in environmental stewardship within the sports sector but also demonstrates the potential for carbon offsetting and compensation strategies to effect meaningful change.
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As shown by leaders like Adidas, Nike, ASICS, and Forest Green Rovers, carbon compensation is a vital strategy for businesses aiming to balance their environmental footprint in a meaningful way. By compensating for emissions through reforestation, renewable energy, and conservation, they not only mitigate their impact but also strengthen their brand’s sustainability commitment in the eyes of consumers and stakeholders.
DGB Group supports organisations in making a lasting environmental impact through customised carbon solutions, helping you balance emissions, and demonstrate true sustainability leadership.
Reducing your carbon footprint with DGB Group
At DGB, we are committed to empowering businesses and individuals to effectively compensate for their carbon footprints through impactful nature-based projects that drive significant environmental and socio-economic benefits. Our mission focuses on large-scale reforestation, afforestation, and energy-efficient cookstove initiatives that not only restore natural ecosystems but also enhance biodiversity and create sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
Our projects are independently verified by leading carbon standards such as Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard and the Gold Standard, ensuring our projects are impactful and of high quality. We offer customised solutions for your business with expert advice, helping you to measure your carbon footprint, compensate for hard-to-abate emissions, and create an effective carbon reduction strategy. By partnering with DGB, you can make a tangible difference and contribute to a healthier planet.
