AS Roma reinforces commitment to sustainability by signing the Sports for Climate Action Framework

AS Roma has reinforced its commitment to sustainability and climate action by signing the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework.

The aim of the framework is to achieve a clear trajectory for the global sports community to deliver lasting changes and use the unifying power of sport to drive climate awareness and action.

By signing the framework, the club commits to achieving specific climate goals in its sustainability strategy, including halving its emissions by 2030, as well as adhering to five key principles:

1. Undertake systematic efforts to promote greater environmental responsibility.
2. Reduce overall climate impact.
3. Educate for climate action.
4. Promote sustainable and responsible consumption.
5. Advocate for climate action through communication.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, the club has already implemented a range of environmental initiatives across its sites, including the training grounds in Trigoria. The club has installed a number of recyclable organic synthetic pitches and, to reduce plastic consumption, offers water dispensers across the site.

To reduce energy consumption, thermal insulation has been introduced across all Trigoria facilities. EV charging points and LED lighting have been deployed and, in an effort to preserve natural resources, no potable water is used to water the eight pitches in the training grounds, which are instead irrigated with harvested rain and freshwater.

In 2022, AS Roma also signed a protocol with Roma Natura, confirming the club’s commitment to protecting and enhancing biodiversity around its facilities and in the city of Rome. Thus far, this has included the planting of 400 native plants across the Trigoria training site, located in the premises of a natural reserve called Decima-Malafede.

In August 2022, the Giallorossi also announced their partnership with UEFA as the pilot team for the European governing body’s ‘Strength Through Unity’ Football Sustainability Strategy.

As part of the partnership, a number of the organisation’s sustainability tools and policies will be embedded in AS Roma’s strategy targets and goals, including the use of UEFA’s carbon calculator to establish a baseline carbon footprint for the club in 2023.

“We are both honoured and motivated by the collaboration with the UNFCCC on this important part of our sustainability journey,” said Pietro Berardi, AS Roma’s Corporate Chief Executive Officer.

“We look forward to working closely with all related stakeholders, among whom we can now proudly include the United Nations, as we embark on the process of developing a well-rounded and robust sustainability strategy that we all believe is so important for the future.

“Being able to work collaboratively with the United Nations on the importance of sustainability, is not only recognition of the extensive efforts we as a club have made in the field of corporate social responsibility in recent times – but also an additional incentive to take that process even further and help make a decisive difference across the sport.”

Lindita Xhaferi-Salihu, United Nations Sectors Engagement Lead of the UN Climate Change, said: “Very few things in the world have such a big, global and socially diverse community such as those watching and playing football.

"We are excited that AS Roma joins us in the UNFCCC’s Sports for Climate Action initiative today by making such a bold commitment to act and to inspire their football community to join the global race against climate change”.