FGR x BSU
News
Scoring with Sustainability
Wednesday, 19 June, 2024Sustainability is a core value that runs throughout Bath Spa University, with our purpose being to make the world a better place, one student at a time.
Recently, BA Sports Management students took a trip to another local sustainability powerhouse, Forest Green Rovers, considered to be the world’s most eco-friendly football club.
Students made the trip to FGR’s stadium, Eco Park, located in Gloucestershire, to gain first-hand experience of how sustainability can be utilised as a key driver in strategy, as well as better understanding the current and future impacts of sustainability within the sports industry.
Forest Green Rovers are well known for their eco-friendly values across the beautiful game, with the club making huge strides to reduce its carbon footprint by cutting emissions, utilising an organic pitch and only providing vegan food at the ground on matchdays.
The club’s approach has also got plenty of people talking, with BSU students being invited to take a look behind-the-scenes at how this unique approach is allowing the club to flourish on and off the pitch.
Speaking about his experience at Eco Park, student Elliott Phillips touched on the inspiring values that Forest Green Rovers uphold:
“The trip was a unique - but also enjoyable experience - that allowed me to get an in-depth insight into how sustainability fits into a real-world organisation. The trip saw us have a tour around the stadium and interact with members of the club who have a key role to play in keeping a sustainable business model.
Whilst on this trip we learned more about Forest Green Rovers and all the factors that help make them sustainable. This included learning about grounds maintenance, how they regenerate the pitch at the end of the season, and factors like players’ diets and food that they offer to staff and fans.”
Not only did students discover the conventional ways in which the Gloucestershire side are implementing eco-friendly values, but they were also given insight into the more unconventional and innovative methods of keeping the Green in Forest Green Rovers.
“One thing that particularly stood out to me was how they kept their pitch in top condition. They mentioned a partner of Forest Green Rovers, Nijhuis Saur Industries, who took the away fans' urine waste and converted it into clean water to help fertilise the pitch and help reduce waste.”
Practical trips like this offer students the chance to engage closer with case-studies and get a hands-on experience within a functioning organisation.
Speaking about how this may aid his studies – and beyond – Elliott said:
“I'm looking to study more sustainability modules in year 2 and 3 so I can use this experience going forward. Furthermore, we can use this knowledge to help us in employment if any of us would like to work in organisations that are keen on being a green and sustainable company. I believe this type of experience and knowledge is what employers are looking for.”
To find out more about how Forest Green Rovers are keeping it green, head to their website.