Climate change
The clear objective of our sustainability strategy in the context of climate change is to ensure that Borussia Dortmund's business activities comply with the provisions of the Paris Climate Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and ideally to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
This is based on our group-wide energy and environmental policy, which determines the strategic direction of our environmental and climate protection commitments.
In order to achieve our ambitious goals, we have already initiated and implemented comprehensive measures and projects as part of our sustainability activities, which make a significant contribution to CO₂ reduction and support the achievement of the CO₂ reduction targets we have set.
The latter, specifically defined targets and measures for achieving CO₂ neutrality, are summarized in the BVB context as shown in the following chart.
Overview of further measures
The key levers for decarbonizing our business activities include the electrification of processes, the conversion of heat supply from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, and increasing the share of renewable energies.
Our strategically planned measures include the following:
- Connecting several properties to the district heating network
- Construction of new photovoltaic systems, including battery storage solutions
- Technical conversion of decentralized heat supply systems to electric heat pumps
- Ongoing implementation of various small-scale energy efficiency measures
- Further development of the mobility concept
- Creation of an emission reduction plan for the supply chain
We have already implemented the following measures:
- Commissioning of a photovoltaic system on the roof of the BVB Fanwelt
- Installation of heat pumps at the BVB Evonik Football Academy
- Installation of a photovoltaic system on the roof of the BVB Evonik Football Academy
- Continuous LED installation for stadium lighting
- Analysis of Scope 3 emission categories in terms of influenceability and potential
On the path to achieving a long-term and continuous reduction in our carbon footprint, we took another important step in 2024 by becoming the first Bundesliga club to commit to the internationally recognized Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). By the end of 2025, we want to have our ambitious CO₂ emission reduction targets validated by the SBTi in accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement.
The targets we have submitted will be reviewed by the independent initiative of WWF, UN Global Compact, World Resources Institute, and CDP according to scientifically sound and up-to-date specifications and criteria.
More than 10,000 companies worldwide have already committed to scientifically based climate targets.
Borussia Dortmund is aware of its responsibility for climate protection and is continuously working to improve its carbon footprint. Our emissions are divided into three scopes:
- Scope 1 covers direct emissions, such as those from the fuel consumption of our vehicle fleet.
- Scope 2 refers to indirect emissions from purchased energy.
- Scope 3 covers all other indirect emissions along the value chain. It shows that over 90 percent of our emissions come from Scope 3 – for example, from fans traveling to and from matches, purchased goods and services, business trips, and other external factors.
This insight motivates us to work with partners, fans, and service providers to develop sustainable solutions to minimize our environmental footprint.
