Mediafax: FRF obtains EMAS certificate for reducing environmental impact

The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) obtained the EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) certificate in September, a European management tool that evaluates, reports and improves organizational strategies for environmental protection.

The certification was obtained through the European project FREE KICKS, co-financed by the European Union, which supports football organizations in Europe in adopting sustainable practices, the national forum announced on Thursday.

Along with FRF, top clubs such as FC Porto (Portugal), Real Betis (Spain), Malmo FF (Sweden) and Racing Club (Argentina) are also participating in the project.

In the implementation of EMAS, FRF benefited from guidance at each stage: from the initial environmental analysis, to the development of the environmental statement and the introduction of concrete measures to improve the environmental impact.

Football generates a significant environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions from fan and team travel, stadium construction and operation, and large amounts of waste. Global estimates indicate tens of millions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, according to the FRF statement.

“The Romanian Football Federation reaffirms on this occasion its firm commitment to a sustainable society and our responsibility towards the environment,” FRF representatives state. In 2023, the federation also obtained ISO 14001 certification.

Read the original article in Romanian here.

European Commission Green Forum: Football Goes Green: EMAS and the FREE KICKS Project

Romanian Football Federation Scores Big with EMAS Certification

The Romanian Football Federation (Federația Română de Fotbal; FRF) has announced its Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) certification. FRF is now the governing body of football to receive the certification. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the FRF as a partner in the FREE KICKS* project, co-funded by the EU, that addresses circular economy and environmental sustainability within football organisations.

What is EMAS?

EMAS  is a voluntary program rewarding organisations based on three key principles:

• Performance: Managing and continuously improving their environmental impact.
• Transparency: Openly sharing environmental information with the public.
• Credibility: Having their environmental management system verified by independent experts, thoroughly.

What does EMAS certification mean?

The Romanian Football Federation has an approved environmental management system to track and reduce its environmental impact. To achieve EMAS certification, FRF completed the following steps: conducted an environmental review, adopted an environmental policy and program, established and implemented an environmental management system, prepared an environmental statement, and finally, secured independent verification by an accredited EMAS verifier.

Why is this a big deal?

• Romania’s First: FRF has a massive influence on fans, clubs and other federations as a national governing body in sport. They are the first federation to obtain EMAS certification.
• Global Leader: Less than 30 of over 4,000 EMAS-certified organisations in the EU are in sports! The Romanian Football Federation is now a global leader in sustainability.
• Economic and Community benefits: EMAS certification has proven to lead to more efficient resource management, cost savings and relationships with the local community.
• Strengthening Environmental Credibility: The FRF has adhered to the sustainable development objectives established through its 2030 Agenda, as evidenced by the obtaining of the ISO 14001 certification in 2023. 

To learn more about EMAS click here.

To view the official press release in Romanian click here.

* Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

#EUFreeKicks

Real Betis Balompié Scores Big with EMAS Certification

Real Betis Balompié has announced its Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) certification. The LALIGA club is now the first Spanish football club and the second in Europe (the other being fellow project partner FC Porto) to receive the certification. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Real Betis Balompié as a partner in the FREE KICKS* project, co-funded by the EU, that addresses circular economy and environmental sustainability within football organisations.

What is EMAS?

EMAS  is a voluntary program rewarding organisations based on three key principles:

• Performance: Managing and continuously improving their environmental impact.
• Transparency: Openly sharing environmental information with the public.
• Credibility: Having their environmental management system verified by independent experts, thoroughly.

What does EMAS certification mean?

Real Betis has an approved environmental management system to track and reduce its environmental impact. To achieve EMAS certification, Real Betis completed the following steps: conducted an environmental review, adopted an environmental policy and program, established and implemented an environmental management system, prepared an environmental statement, and finally, secured independent verification by an accredited EMAS verifier.

Why is this a big deal?

• Spain’s First: Real Betis has a massive influence on fans and other clubs as a top LALIGA club. They are the first football club in Spain to obtain EMAS certification.
• Global Leader: Less than 30 of over 4,000 EMAS-certified organisations in the EU are in sports! Real Betis Balompié and The Rafael Gordillo Sports City are now global leaders in sustainability.
• Economic and Community benefits: EMAS certification has proven to lead to more efficient resource management, cost savings and relationships with the local community.
• Strengthening Environmental Credibility: Real Betis previously obtained ISO 14001 certification, an internationally recognized standard that establishes a framework for organizations to develop an externally verified environmental management system.

Innovative measures at the Rafael Gordillo Sports City include:

• Rainwater harvesting system
• Replacing rubber with cork on artificial fields, eliminating microplastics and reducing turf temperature, which reduces water use.
• Smart lighting systems
• Bioclimatic building designs
• Aerothermal energy for the production of domestic hot water
• Electric mobility and charging
• Grazing with goats and sheep 

To learn more about EMAS click here.

To view the official press release in Spanish click here.

* Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

#EUFreeKicks

Noticias Ambientales: Sport and environment, united in the same team playing to win and save the planet, while taking care of nature.

In **Argentina**, a new way of understanding sports is gaining momentum: the sustainable management of clubs, events, and [physical activities](https://noticiasambientales.com/compromiso-ambiental/plogging-un-deporte-con-impacto-ambiental-positivo/). The goal is clear: **reduce the environmental impact**, generate economic savings, and open up new opportunities for sports institutions.

From the **Sustainable Sports** department of the consulting firm **Sustainable Project**, a model that is already standard in many countries is promoted, aiming to establish itself firmly in the Argentinean landscape. The objective is for sports to be healthy not only for people but also for the **planet**.

Among its achievements is the creation of the **first sustainability department** in a soccer club in the country, **Racing Sustainable**, which has been operating for a decade. Additionally, there is support for the international project ““[Free Kicks](https://www.free-kicks.eu/)”,” funded by the European Union and shared with institutions like Porto in Portugal and Betis in Spain.

Another innovation for national sports is the **COA Environmental Seal**, developed in collaboration with the Argentine Olympic Committee, which certifies institutions and events committed to **responsible practices**. Carbon footprint measurements have also been carried out in competitions such as the Ushuaia Trail Race or the Trail de los Diques, aiming to **reduce emissions** in future editions.


## The step-by-step towards a greener sport

Measuring the **environmental impact** is a key point. This analysis allows understanding the amount of CO₂ generated in each event and planning actions to mitigate it. To achieve this, the support of private companies that finance these measurements in exchange for visibility and a positive contribution to the community has been secured.

Training is also essential. Training sessions are offered to clubs, organizers, and sports authorities to integrate **sustainability** criteria into all areas of management. Environmental **diagnostics** complete the process, evaluating the situation of each institution and proposing improvements in **waste**, water, energy, mobility, and purchases.

With this approach, sports cease to be just a competitive or recreational activity to become a space for **environmental and social transformation**. Each sustainable action adopted multiplies the benefits, not only for the **natural environment** but also for people’s quality of life.

## Sustainable sports: double benefits

There are multiple disciplines that, besides being healthy, **minimize environmental impact**. Hiking, cycling, rowing, climbing, kayaking, and running in natural environments are clear examples: they require little infrastructure, promote contact with nature, and encourage **respect for the environment**.

The use of non-motorized transportation, such as bicycles, combines cardiovascular exercise with emission reduction. [Water activities without motor](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/tigre-pide-reponer-las-barreras-del-rio-reconquista-para-cuidar-la-naturaleza-y-el-deporte-local-de-la-basura/), such as open water swimming or paddle surfing, utilize natural resources **without generating noise or chemical pollution**.

At the community level, these sports boost local economies, attract **responsible tourism**, and raise environmental awareness among participants. The combination of physical activity and environmental care strengthens health, reduces stress, and promotes **sustainable habits**.


## A new ally for the environment

The road to sustainable sports in Argentina is still long, but ongoing experiences demonstrate its feasibility. With precise measurements, **environmental certifications**, training, and commitment, the sports industry can become a fundamental ally for the planet.

Practicing sports and **protecting nature** are not separate paths. When they come together, they play the best possible match: taking care of the present and ensuring a healthier future for all.

Read the article here.

Racing Club Brings Awareness to FREE KICKS Project During Matches

The FREE KICKS project gained significant visibility from the actions of project partner Racing Club, mostly during the first half of the year. Matches at Racing Club’s Estadio Presidente Perón allowed for the project’s banners to be displayed in stadiums, reaching hundreds of thousands of fans in attendance.

Features:

1. Racing Club vs. Coquimbo Kingdome
CONMEBOL Sudamericana, Estadio Presidente Perón – 17 May 2025
Digital FREE KICKS signage and logos were displayed to the 16,876 supporters at the match on the big screens.
Score: 3-0 for Racing Club

2. Racing Club vs. Argentinos Juniors
Liga Profesional de Fútbol, Estadio Benito Villamarín – 20 May 2024
FREE KICKS roll-up banners were present in the concourse, engaging 20,640 spectators before, during and after the match. Additionally, Racing Club displayed FREE KICKS project videos on the giant screens.
Score: 3-0 for Racing Club

3. Racing Club vs. Estudiantes
Europa Conference League, Estadio Benito Villamarín – 4 December 2024
Physical FREE KICKS banners and signage were around the stadium grounds, spreading awareness to an impressive 33,677 supporters in attendance.
Score: 4-5 for Estudiantes

4. Racing Club vs. Banfield
Liga Profesional de Fútbol, Estadio Benito Villamarín – 6 April 2025
An impressive number of 27,783 supporters were in attendance to view the FREE KICKS banners that were on-site at Estadio Benito Villamarín.
Score: 4-1 for Racing Club

5. Racing Club vs. Central de Córdoba
Liga Profesional de Fútbol, Estadio Benito Villamarín – 18 April 2025
A total of 30,213 supporters gathered at the home grounds to view the physical FREE KICKS banners and signage in and around the stadia.
Score: 1-0 for Racing Club

6. Racing Club vs. Newell’s
Liga Profesional de Fútbol, Estadio Benito Villamarín – 2 May 2025
Physical FREE KICKS banners and signage were displayed at Estadio Benito Villamarín, reaching 26,979 football fans. Additionally, Racing Club displayed FREE KICKS project videos on the giant screens.
Score: 1-0 for Racing Club

The FREE KICKS project being promoted on the big screens in Estadio Presidente Perón

Project videos were also displayed in Estadio Benito Villamarín on the giant screen during the football

matches:

FRF mentions FREE KICKS project in Annual Report

See the translated* excerpt below:

European Projects

The Romanian Football Federation reached two important milestones in the reporting period, in terms of European-funded projects: 30 projects completed or under implementation and 3 million euros absorbed. The period 2024 – 2025 meant not only the start of almost 10 new projects, but also the diversification of partnerships and activities carried out within them. Thus, in addition to social projects: integrating Ukrainian refugees, combating the radicalization of supporters, combating violence against women and children, environmental sustainability, promoting dual careers and combating school dropout, we added initiatives in areas such as: environmental education of young football players, integrity in sports, forming a network of supporters’ liaison officers and training referees.

Among the most relevant projects that reached maturity in 2025, we recall:

• The FREE KICKS Project – dedicated to obtaining the EMAS certificate, will end in September 2025;
• The GOALSCORE Project – dedicated to combating violence against women in football, will end in June 2025;
• The FAIRER Project – dedicated to combating the radicalization of football fans, will end in June 2025;
• The SCALE Project – dedicated to promoting the dual career of athletes, will end in December 2025;
• The EPLAY Project – dedicated to combating violent and abusive behavior of parents at football training, will end in December 2025.

Regarding the new projects that have entered the FRF portfolio, we recall:

• The LIAISE II Project – dedicated to training supporter liaison officers, at the level of the federation and football clubs;
• The RE SCORE project – dedicated to promoting the circular economy in grassroots football;
• The DAFNE project – dedicated to promoting the dual career of athletes, through the use of digital recording and promotion tools;
• The MOVEUP project – dedicated to developing training and sports practice methodologies adapted for people with mild disabilities, as well as conducting specific courses for coaches.

Within the call for projects for 2026 – 2029, we submitted, in collaboration with approximately 20 partners, a number of 6 funding applications, the evaluation of which will take place in September of this year.

*Disclaimer: This article has been translated using artificial intelligence and may not be entirely accurate.

Sustainability Magazine: Man City. Benfica & More: How Football can be Sustainable

Viva Porto: FC Porto is blue but new award says it also has a “Green Heart”

In the last few hours, we learned that Estádio do Dragão has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability. Futebol Clube do Porto has received the “Coração Verde” certification, awarded by LIPOR.

As stated by Porto City Council, this is a recognition of the measures implemented in waste management. The distinction was presented by the vice-president of Porto City Council, Filipe Araújo, to Porto leader João Borges.

The ceremony took place as part of the presentation of the “Free Kicks” project, an initiative that brings together FC Porto with clubs such as Real Betis, Malmö and Racing Club, as well as organizations such as Escola Superior Sant’Anna, Sport Positive, ECA and the Romanian Football Federation. The aim of the project is to promote the circular economy and sustainability in football.

Filipe Araújo highlighted the importance of the award, underlining FC Porto’s role in the city’s international projection. “We are talking about FC Porto, the city’s great brand that projects us beyond borders and, by projecting the values ​​of sustainability, makes the Municipality of Porto very happy, because it is an area where we have made a great effort to elevate the city itself, with all its stakeholders, to another level,” he stated.

The mayor praised FC Porto’s work in recycling waste and recalled that the city has invested in recycling organic waste, now having brown containers spread throughout the municipality and intended for this purpose.

FC Porto’s Sustainability Officer, Teresa Santos, stressed that the club has invested in innovative projects in this area. In addition to “Free Kicks”, it is involved in two initiatives of the Access Project: the “Coração Verde” certification and a program to reuse water for the stadium’s irrigation. According to the director, FC Porto’s adherence to the Porto Climate Pact is symptomatic of the club’s alignment with the city’s environmental values.

FC Porto’s environmental commitment is not new. Since 2007, Estádio do Dragão has been certified in the environmental area, being the first European club to receive EMAS certification from the European Commission.

Read the story in Portuguese here.

Partners Convene in Porto for 5th Steering Committee Meeting

11th March 2025, Porto: FREE KICKS partners convened for the 4th Steering Committee meeting at FC Porto’s Estadio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal; with Project Co-ordinator Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Communications and Dissemination Partner Sport Positive and football partners Real Betis Balompié, FC Porto, Malmö FF, European Club Association (ECA) and Romanian Football Federation joining in person.

The session allowed for presentations by all sports partners to provide updates on project status relating to EMAS certification and the green procurement actions. Partners discussed the scheduled upcoming fourth webinar and planning actions for the remaining training modules. All project partners were updated on communication and dissemination activities. Updates were also made regarding the networking events with the ECA Sustainability Working Group.

Pictured: Reps of Sport Positive, Real Betis Balompie, FC Porto, Malmö FF, Romanian Football Federation, and SSSA (not pictured: Rep of ECA)

Following the meeting, FC Porto held a networking presentation and event where the Porto Municipality, the Municipal Company Porto Ambiente (EMAP), and LIPOR awarded the club with the GREEN HEART Certification. The GREEN HEART certification is a recognition of environmental sustainability practices with a particular focus on sustainable waste management practices created by LIPOR in 2014.

Partners then toured Estadio do Dragão and FC Porto Museum – taking in efforts such as waste management, reusable cups offered at food and beverage stands and transparent roof panels allowing lots of natural light, among other initiatives like the new Inzone sensory space.

The FREE KICKS project is co-funded by the European Union* and coordinated by the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies (SSSA). Project partners FC Porto, Fundación Real Betis Balompie, Malmö FF, Racing Club, Romanian Football Federation, European Club Association (ECA) and Sport Positive will address the topics of circular economy and environmental sustainability in football organisations.

*Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.