Aberdeen FC has taken a major step forward in its commitment to tackling climate change by signing up to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.

The Club is joining a growing group of sports clubs, federations and other rights holders who are taking responsibility for and seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint. By signing up to the framework, organisations commit to reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2040, aligning the Club’s ambitions with those of the city.

This commitment is only the start of a journey towards becoming more sustainable and the Club is in the process of working with an independent consultancy to measure its current carbon footprint and develop a sustainability strategy with clear short, medium and long-term goals to dramatically reduce its impact on the environment.

On signing the UN pledge, chairman Dave Cormack said: “Today’s signing underlines our intent to become net-zero but it’s only the beginning. Behind this pledge is the ongoing development of a robust strategy with clear, measurable goals and an implementation plan around every aspect of our activities.

“As a Club, we already have initiatives in place to reduce our impact on the environment, but we must go much further. With our widespread reach and unique impact, we can show real leadership on combatting climate change. Working with our partners, sponsors, corporates, suppliers and fans, we will explore even more ways in which we can make a significant, tangible difference and help drive change in our behaviours.”

As part of the pledge, Aberdeen FC has committed to undertake systematic efforts to promote greater environmental responsibility, reduce overall climate impact, educate for climate action, promote sustainable and responsible travel and consumption and advocate for climate action through communication.

For several years, the Club has been reducing its environmental impact through innovative water management, LED sensor-operated lighting, eco-friendly showers and heating at Cormack Park as well as recycling of food, waste oil for biofuel, grass cuttings and wood, scrap metal and plastics, paper and cardboard. Through its partnership with First Bus and subsidised park and ride facilities, it has also sought to reduce the impact of travel among fans.

Cormack added: “This will be no easy challenge as some of our biggest impacts on the environment relate to travel and our ageing stadium. Any new stadium will be integral to meeting our emissions reduction targets. It’s therefore our ambition to design and build a world-class, net-zero facility and adopting the UN’s framework will help us to achieve this.”