Bundesliga: Schalke leading way in sustainability . Bundesliga clubs are constantly thinking about sustainability. Schalke is combining the expertise of various participants in a new plan in an effort to carve their own path in this area. The construction of the new wells is already planned, and soon Schalke’s offices, football teams, and spectators will all have access to the club’s water supply. In its “Sustainability Strategy for a Climate Neutral Schalke” plan, the club has designated a number of ecological initiatives for the future, including this.
“Most importantly, we want to take on social responsibility in our community. We see it as our responsibility, “Bernd Schröder, the CEO of Schalke, stated to DW during the strategy presentation.
Bundesliga: Schalke leading way in sustainability
In order to do this, Schalke has started its own initiative, which is largely regional in scope and aims to share expertise on the topic of sustainability. There are currently eleven participants in the “Zukunftsschmiede 04” network, ranging from medium-sized businesses to those that are listed on the German Stock Exchange. They also consist of the RAG Foundation, a network of local municipal enterprises and digital professionals who collaborate to share knowledge and strategies for strengthening the sustainability of the club.
The importance of the sustainability issue and the different questions it raises will never diminish: Can matchday transportation for spectators be made as effective and climate-neutral as possible? How are e-bike charging stations installed? On the club grounds, where can solar panels be installed? How might the garbage produced on game days be diminished?
Sustainable development and environmental policy
The societal challenges of sustainability and environmental preservation have long preoccupied Bundesliga teams. The German Football League Association (DFL) committed itself in 2022 to gradually integrating a sustainability guideline that would integrate ecological, economic, and social considerations into the licensing regulations for the 36 clubs from Germany’s top two divisions. Clubs that don’t adhere to the sustainability concept won’t be able to get an operational license after the 2023–24 season.
