Carlisle United have conceded they must do more to be a “sustainable” club after being ranked in a new study.
The Blues were rated in mid-table in League Two in a table which assesses clubs’ environmental efforts.
Carlisle came 11th in their division, and 39th in the EFL.
The Blues today said they cannot ignore the need to develop in this area with climate change in mind.
Chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: “Football has a positive part to play in Climate Change. The game and individual clubs are increasingly under scrutiny for what we do.
“We are all affected – we know that first-hand with our own flood risk. We felt it was important to take part in this review.
“We know we have a lot to do and that we have challenges in this area. We need to do more and be better, as this review shows.
“We are taking the first steps on a critical but long journey to change behaviour and think differently.
“Being part of the EFL's Green Clubs scheme has provided us with a framework to develop new ideas and initiatives, and to help us to improve in future.”
The table was compiled by Sport Positive Leagues, which says it highlights environmental sustainability initiatives at professional clubs.
Clubs were graded in 11 different areas for the year 2022.
They are: policy and commitment; clean energy; energy efficiency; sustainability transport; single use plastic reduction or removal; waste management; water efficiency; plant-based/low-carbon food; biodiversity; education; and comms and engagement on sustainability.
Carlisle scored one point in energy efficiency, sustainability transport, single use plastic reduction or removal and education.
They were given half a point in waste management, plant-based/low carbon food, biodiversity and comms and engagement.
That gave them a score of six out of 24.
The most sustainably aware club in the country was named as Forest Green Rovers, who scored maximum points in all categories.
Rochdale and Crewe Alexandra were League Two’s top clubs, scoring 12 out of 24.
Six EFL clubs did not receive a score, with Sport Positive Leagues saying they chose not to take part in the review. They were Portsmouth, Blackburn Rovers, Harrogate Town, Luton Town, Middlesbrough and Swansea City.
Some others, they said, did not share or verify information but the study used info that was already in the public domain.
Forest Green owner Dale Vince said: “It’s great to see the extent to which sustainability in football has become a thing, almost - but not yet - an accepted part of the game.
“Ten years ago we were a lone voice with a radical idea, today it’s fast becoming normal, not just in English football but internationally too - and indeed the whole world of sport.
“Football clubs have the same responsibility as everyone else to take care of their impact on the world - but we also have a unique opportunity, few others have - a platform from which to inform and influence billions of people. That’s happening now.
Sport Positive founder Claire Poole added: “Across all three divisions there are great examples of leadership from many EFL clubs. We congratulate those clubs for their efforts towards a sustainable future.
“For those clubs that aren’t as far ahead, we hope that the publication of this information raises awareness, and that support and progress continues apace.
“The EFL’s Green Clubs scheme has provided a framework for clubs to build upon and develop alongside their own initiatives.”
The organisation added: “To date, Sport Positive has not published it’s matrices unless every club has collaborated with the work. Unfortunately after nearly a year of work, some EFL clubs were unable to engage, so Sport Positive made the first time, difficult decision to publish anyway – to deliver on commitment to the 60 per cent plus of clubs that did share their environmental sustainability efforts.”
More details can be found at the Sport Positive Leagues website HERE.
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