Environmental Sustainability Policy

Concern for the environment and promoting a broader sustainability agenda are integral to our club's activities and management. We aim to follow and promote good sustainability practices to reduce our environmental impacts.

Rationale

Environmental sustainability is crucial in improving quality of life without putting unnecessary strain on the earth's supporting ecosystems. We can help create an equilibrium between consumerist human culture and the living world by functioning in a way that doesn’t waste or deplete natural resources or unnecessarily strain the earth.

Relevance

Where appropriate, this policy applies to all members, players, coaches, staff, officials, administrators, parents, supporters, spectators and visitors.

Purpose

This policy provides guidelines on our intentions and actions in relation to environmental sustainability in order to minimise our impact on the environment. It represents our commitment to our legal requirements, duty of care obligations and ethical stance in order to protect the health and wellbeing of all those associated with our club.

Principles

To minimise environmental sustainability impacts associated with all operational activities.
To uphold the reputation of our club, our sponsors and partners.
To comply, and exceed where practicable, all applicable legislation, regulations and codes of practice.
To continually strive to improve our environmental sustainability performance.

Measures & Actions

Minimise our use of paper and other administrative consumables, for example by double-siding all paper documents, choosing digital mediums, and identifying opportunities to reduce waste.
Refrain from the use and supply of single-use plastics at matches and events.
As far as possible arrange for reuse or recycling of waste, including paper, bottles, cans and relevant plastics.
Reduce energy consumption by turning off lights and appliances when when not in use.
Ensure that all plant, tree and appropriate garden waste is mulched and/or recycled.
Seek to maximise the proportion from renewable energy sources, whilst also supporting investment in new renewable energy schemes.
Ensure that timber furniture, and any other timber products, are recycled or from well-managed, sustainable sources and are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.

Implementation

Sustainability considerations will be integrated into all our decisions.

Leadership & Education

Ensure that all administrators and staff are fully aware of our Environmental Sustainability Policy and are committed to implementing and improving it.
Ensure that all members and users are fully aware of our Environmental Sustainability Policy and are encouraged to implement and improve it.

Status & Review

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant to club operations and reflects both community expectations and legal requirements.