Leeds Rhinos become first UK rugby club to achieve highest GreenCode standard

Leeds Rhinos have made history by becoming the first rugby club in the UK to achieve the highest possible standard, Green, under the GreenCode initiative, recognising the club’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and responsible environmental practices. 

The achievement marks another significant milestone in the Rhinos’ ambition to place sustainability at the heart of the way the club operates, building on a programme of practical initiatives across AMT Headingley Stadium and the wider organisation.

The GreenCode Standards have been operating for more than 25 years within The Green Britain Group, under the leadership of Dale Vince OBE. The initiative supports and audits organisations across all sectors, providing the tools, guidance and recognition needed to embed sustainability into everyday business practices.

Few sporting institutions can match the heritage, community reach and cultural influence of Leeds Rhinos. With tens of thousands of supporters visiting AMT Headingley Stadium and the club’s influence extending across generations, the Rhinos recognise the opportunity to use that platform to promote positive environmental change.

Sustainability has become increasingly visible across the stadium’s day-to-day operations. Solar panels generate clean energy, a borehole reduces reliance on mains water for pitch irrigation, while food waste is processed on site rather than being sent to landfill. The club’s grounds team has also introduced electric mowers, reducing emissions while maintaining the playing surface.

Since January 2024, Leeds Rhinos have been powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity supplied by Ecotricity, with the partnership extending beyond energy provision to include advice and support around the club’s wider sustainability strategy.

Leeds Rhinos Chief Operating Officer Sue Ward commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded GreenCode certification, a recognition that reflects our commitment to embedding environmental sustainability into everything we do.

"Sustainability is considered from the very beginning of every new initiative, ensuring that the places we create, the people we work with, and the planet itself are at the heart of our decision-making, operations and long-term planning across the entire Club."

“We are incredibly proud to be the first rugby club ever to achieve GreenCode certification and hope that many other clubs will follow suit as we work collectively towards a more sustainable future.”

The partnership with Ecotricity has also helped the club better understand its carbon footprint and identify opportunities to reduce emissions across its operations.

A key milestone was the Rhinos’ Net Zero Game, which brought together players, supporters and sustainability partners to highlight the progress being made and encourage conversations around environmental responsibility, including fan travel and healthier choices.

The GreenCode certification reflects the progress already made while providing a framework for the club to continue raising its ambitions. Future plans include sustainability workshops for staff, greater engagement with suppliers and partners, and continued work to reduce the environmental impact of the club’s operations.

Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Jamie Jones-Buchanan added: “We’re a stage. A place where people gather. If we can show what sustainability looks like – at work, at home and in everyday life – then we can shape habits and behaviours for the better.

“Being the first rugby club in the UK to achieve the highest GreenCode standard is something we can be proud of, but we see it as another step in a much longer journey. I would like to congratulate Sue Ward and her team in particular, who I know have done so much hard work behind the scenes to secure this certification.”

The landmark accreditation underlines Leeds Rhinos’ commitment to using the influence of sport to create positive change – demonstrating that sustainability, innovation and sporting success can work hand in hand.

Chris Organ, Director of B2B Sales & Marketing for Ecotricity, said, “The Rhinos are a club with a rich history and deep roots in their community, so it’s brilliant to see them embedding sustainability into the heart of the club.

“As the first rugby club in the UK to achieve GreenCode Certification, let’s hope they inspire other clubs to follow their lead and take sustainability seriously too. Well done to everyone at the Rhinos — this is a great step forward. Onwards and upwards, and good luck for the season.”

Leeds Rhinos will officially receive their Green Award at the final home game of the regular season at AMT Headingley when Leeds take on Hull FC on Friday 11th September.