VfL Wolfsburg: Climate goals missed – fans should rethink!

VfL Wolfsburg: Climate goals missed – fans should rethink!

VfL Wolfsburg has set itself ambitious climate goals, but the reality is different. According to a report by NDR The club has not yet achieved the desired CO2 reduction of 37% by the end of 2025, but only 21%. What is all the more remarkable is that despite these setbacks, sustainability officer Nico Briskorn is satisfied with the progress made so far. The original climate targets from 2020 were formulated more ambitiously, but were criticized as misleading.

A central component of the strategy is the reduction of CO2 emissions in the context of the Paris Climate Agreement. The targeted annual decline of 6.45% is necessary to achieve the 1.5 degree target. German Environmental Aid (DUH) praises VfL's efforts, but criticizes the unrealistic initial goals. In the area of ​​direct influence, the club achieves savings of 43%, while in the energy sector, savings of 58% are possible through the use of green electricity and efficient consumption management.

Challenge of mobility

A big problem for VfL Wolfsburg is the emissions resulting from mobility. The arrival and departure of fans accounts for a huge proportion of CO2 emissions, estimated at between 70 and 80%. The DUH is calling for a reduction in parking spaces in order to encourage fans to use more environmentally friendly means of transport. However, VfL Wolfsburg is currently not planning any mandatory measures, but is relying on persuasion.

The stadium infrastructure itself also has an impact on the environmental balance. The Volkswagen Arena not only requires energy for lighting and air conditioning, but also large amounts of water for sanitary facilities and for irrigation of the field. In addition, a game in front of 30,000 fans causes significant amounts of waste, which further burdens the ecological balance. The aim is to gradually reduce the environmental impact by working with various partners.

Commitment beyond the field

In addition, VfL is investing in a NABU climate fund that promotes CO2 storage through moor rewetting. Further campaigns are also planned to raise fans' awareness of the issue of climate protection. The eco and sustainability initiatives are also finding resonance in other parts of football. With the “NKI: Climate Protection in Amateur Football” project, the DFB supports clubs in improving their own environmental balance, which underlines the importance of sustainability throughout sport. Information and assistance can be found on the DFB website.

The German Football League (DFL) plans to tighten its sustainability requirements starting next season. Clubs that do not meet their obligations even risk having their license revoked. This will increase the pressure on VfL Wolfsburg to sustainably improve its course with regard to climate protection and environmental protection.