Sustainability at St. James' Park

Newcastle United is committed to ensuring that sustainability and minimal environmental impact is maintained, wherever possible, across all aspects of the club.

The club is accountable for analysing its carbon footprint, while working towards the ambition of developing a clear Net Zero emissions roadmap within an achievable timeframe.

As sustainability practice is enhanced, focus will be placed on key areas across the club including matchdays at St. James’ Park and work within the community. 

The club

Newcastle United places people at the forefront of sustainable working. The club has a passion for sharing best practice and supporting staff to achieve the goal of reducing its carbon footprint.

Several policies and actions have already been implemented across sites at St. James’ Park, the training ground and the academy.

 

Waste Management – Practices are adopted to deter generation of waste. If waste is unavoidable, facilities are in place to reuse or recycle paper, plastic, cans, metal and cardboard, if possible.

Energy Efficiency – Energy management plans are in place at all three sites, featuring LED lighting plus remote sensor lights in toilets, kitchens, executive boxes and car parks.  The club is also required to complete energy assessments as part of the Energy Savings Opportunities Scheme (ESOS) and comply with Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) regulations.

Sustainable Transport – Staff are encouraged to use sustainable transport methods through the Cycle2Work scheme, corporate metro season ticket, and EV charging points which are available for staff and guests at St James’ Park and the training ground.

All season ticket holders are eligible to purchase a Magpie Mover ticket for £25, which provides matchday travel on the metro, bus and ferry for every home game.

Biodiversity – In support of Earth Day 2023, Sean Longstaff took part in a sustainability lesson at the Foundation where he worked alongside local students to transform old pallets into ‘birdboxes’ and ‘bug hotels’. These are now positioned on the wildlife corridor between the club’s training ground and academy.

Water Efficiency - Water recycling systems are in place: water sourced from a borehole at the training ground is utilised for pitch irrigation at the academy and training ground sites. The sites meet off-grid water irrigation requirements.

Matchdays

More than a million fans pass through the turnstiles at St. James’ Park each season. The club is committed to creating sustainable matchdays by using its voice to encourage positive fan actions, ranging from travel considerations through to food and drink options at the stadium.

Waste Management – Recycling facilities are available throughout the stadium, and the club is continually reviewing how waste can be reduced.  Single-use plastics have been eliminated on matchdays, with bio-degradable cups and wooden cutlery now used in the concourse.

Energy Efficiency – Matchday energy usage is tracked through a dedicated monitoring platform and audits are regularly carried out to evaluate equipment usage. 

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Water Efficiency - Compression taps are fitted throughout toilet facilities, helping to limit unnecessary water usage.

Sustainable Food Options – All kiosks throughout the concourse offer sustainable alternatives such as vegan pies.

Community

The club is a proud pillar of the community and will collaborate with stakeholders to support the city’s transition towards a Net Zero future. Sustainability is put at the heart of decision-making, with emphasis placed on work with partners, communities and supporters to deliver education on best practice.

• Through a number of programmes with Newcastle United Foundation, the club aims to educate young generations on how they can protect the environment and deepen an understanding about all areas of sustainability.
• During 2023 staff worked together to carry out litter picks in Leazes Park and around the Newcastle United Foundation building. Both events were a great success, with more planned for 2024.
• Working with the North East Community Forest, staff are helping to plant trees which will benefit the environment for future generations.