Sustainability

In addition to providing some tips for starting your programme, this document provides you with the foundations of the club’s programme through understanding which areas the club and members want to prioritise and gather the necessary expertise from inside and outside the club.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of all life forms on Earth — including different species of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, the genetic diversity within these species, and the ecosystems they form.

Biodiversity in Rugby Clubs.

Environmental Stewardship of Club Grounds

Rugby clubs, especially those with large pitches and green areas, may support biodiversity by:

• Planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers to support pollinators.
• Creating wildlife-friendly areas (e.g., wildflower meadows, bird boxes, insect hotels).
• Avoiding chemical pesticides and fertilizers to protect soil and insect life.
• Preserving hedgerows and grasslands around the pitch.

Promoting Local Ecosystems

Collaborating with local conservation groups or councils to:

• Support local species, especially endangered or threatened ones.
• Monitor and enhance habitats on or near club land.

Sustainable Facilities Management

Clubs can reduce their environmental footprint by:

• Managing water use (e.g., rainwater harvesting, reducing pitch irrigation).
• Maintaining green roofs or walls on clubhouses.

Education and Community Engagement

• Educating players, supporters, and the local community about biodiversity.
• Involving youth teams in conservation projects or biodiversity campaigns.

Click on the document below to get guidance on Biodiversity in your club.

Energy in rugby clubs refers to how clubs use, manage, and source energy to minimize their environmental impact while maintaining operations. It plays a critical role in helping rugby clubs become more environmentally responsible and financially efficient.

Below your will find:

• A document to get guidance on how to plan the energy use in your club. 
• Our Sponsors Energia have produced some really helpful information documents to help clubs with their Energy usage. There are specific documents for Clubs in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. 

Energia & Power NI, as sponsors of Club rugby have put together a special offer available to all Clubs:

• Secure your Clubs energy costs with a fixed energy rate plan that locks in pricing for 36 months.
• Ideal for budget-conscious clubs seeking long-term cost stability and protection from market volatility.
• Dedicated Energia account manager to advise and support on usage. You can email RugbyClubs@energia.ie
• There is a leaflet below with more information.  

What is Waste?

"Waste" in rugby clubs refers to any materials, resources, or energy used by the club that are discarded, misused, or not managed responsibly, contributing to environmental, social, or economic harm.

Physical Waste (Solid Waste)

This is the most visible type of waste.

· Single-use plastics (water bottles, cups, straws, packaging)

· Food waste from the clubhouse, events, or match days

· Old kit and equipment (jerseys, boots, balls, goalposts, etc.)

· Paper waste (flyers, programs, admin documents)

· General litter left by fans or players

Sustainability concern: Landfill overuse, plastic pollution, high carbon footprint in production and disposal.

MyWaste.ie

The IRFU have teamed up with MyWaste.ie to produce a free sustainability toolkit to help sports clubs improve their waste management practices and embrace the principles of a circular economy.

The MyWaste Sports Club Toolkit, supported by the Federation of Irish Sport, marks a significant step towards fostering environmental sustainability within the Irish sports community.

MyWaste.ie Toolkit

Click on the documents below to access the full toolkit and a how to guide. 

What is Water?

"Water" refers to the management of water resources in a way that reduces environmental impact, supports community needs, and ensures long-term availability. Rugby clubs use water for various purposes, including:

· Irrigating pitches

· Cleaning facilities

· Showers and toilets

· Catering and hospitality services

Water Toolkit

Click on the document below to get guidance on how to plan the Water use in your club.

What is Travel?

"Travel" in rugby clubs refers to the environmental, social, and economic impacts associated with the transportation of:

· Players

· Coaches and staff

· Spectators

· Equipment

to and from training sessions, matches, and tournaments.

Travel is often the largest contributor to a rugby club’s carbon footprint. Key environmental concerns include:

· Greenhouse gas emissions from cars, buses, trains, and planes

· Air pollution

· Traffic congestion

· Energy use (especially for flights and long-distance travel)

Clubs may assess the carbon footprint of travel and look for ways to reduce it.

Example Strategies:

· Prioritizing public or shared transport

· Using electric or low-emission vehicles

· Organizing carpooling among players and fans

· Investing in carbon offsetting programs

· Scheduling matches to reduce long-distance travel

Travel Toolkit

Click on the document below to get guidance on how to plan the Travel in your club.

Click here to view a Case Study on Monaghan RFC and how they are managing their waste.

Click here to see a Webinar by MyWaste.ie on the use of their new toolkit to manage waste in sports clubs.

Biodiversity: National Biodiversity Data Centre

Energy: Energia (ROI) Power NI (NI) Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland 

Waste: MyWaste Re-Turn

Water: Uisce Éireann (ROI) Northern Ireland Water

Travel: National Transport Authority