Club news
Written by: Joe
Lewes FC has signed Sport England’s Going for Green Pledge that outlines our club’s commitment to improving our local environment and becoming more sustainable.
The football club already does a lot to tackle climate change and environmental issues in East Sussex. However, we want to do more, which is why we have pledged to address the following issues.
Champion walking, cycling and lift sharing when travelling to activities
There are plenty of ways to get to the Dripping Pan without needing to drive. Our ground is conveniently located next to Lewes train station, while it’s a five-minute walk from the nearest bus stop. Cycle racks are planned to be installed close to the ground in the near future.
The majority of Lewes FC supporters actually walk to the ground. It takes around eight minutes to walk from the High Street. As for those who do drive, we have a limited number of car parking spaces available next to the ground, as well as electric car chargers.
However, we can always do more. We intend to produce our carbon footprint soon, which will highlight where we as a club and community of supporters can reduce our emissions.
>> Lewes FC matchday travel guide
Drastically reducing reliance on single use plastics
Lewes FC has launched a reusable cup scheme for the 2024/25 season alongside Lewes Town Council and Green United. The initiative saves the club hundreds of pounds a year on flimsy, single-use plastic drinks cups. Supporters also save with a discount on drinks they buy with the reusable cup.
There are, of course, other areas of running a football club that require single-use plastics. However, we pledge to address each area of concern as they arise and look at alternatives that don’t require plastic.
Recycling waste and increasing the reuse of sports equipment and kit
Football clubs generate a lot of material waste but we have made efforts to reuse and repurpose material as we improve the Dripping Pan. Old merchandise and sports kit is also regularly sold and donated, rather than being thrown away.
Boosting activity to nurture nature and wildlife
The Dripping Pan is blessed to have a protected grass bank running the length of the field that ensures our supporters are much closer to nature than other stadiums in the country. With Brad’s Pit and the community flower garden in full bloom, the Dripping Pan is a haven for many plant and animal species.
But we know we can do more. Our intention is to grow a perimeter hedge behind the new toilet block to improve the natural biodiversity available around the ground.
Reducing energy and water usage
Running a football club and community asset like the 3G pitch requires a lot of energy and water usage. We intend to look at how we can improve our efficiencies around water usage, while also looking at ways to reduce our electricity use.
Finance permitting, we are looking into the possibility of changing our halogen floodlights across the Dripping Pan and 3G for energy-efficient LED lights.
Of course, our solar panels already do an excellent job pumping electricity back into the grid.
Going for Green will be in the spotlight this Sunday when former Olympian Chris Boardman pops in to the Dripping Pan during Pedal for Paris.
You can check out what’s happening with Chris and co. on Sunday here!
>> Football for Good: Lewes FC’s Environmental Sustainability