Saving energy as a football club: what are the options?
More and more amateur clubs are consciously or unconsciously becoming more sustainable. That’s not only good for the environment, but also for the club itself. According to the KNVB, 10-15% of the average club budget is allocated to energy costs. By taking energy-saving measures, the energy bill becomes significantly lower, leaving the club with more funds for other matters.
Heating and insulation
The largest part of energy expenses comes from heating. By using heating efficiently, clubs can save a lot of money. A small energy-saving measure, for example, is a digital thermostat. By using such a thermostat to control the temperature in club buildings, significant savings can be made on heating costs. It’s also wise to apply radiator foil to the wall behind radiators. This can save around 15 m³ of natural gas per year per square meter, or approximately € 10 per square meter. Insulating seams and cracks can save between 5% and 15% on annual gas consumption. Installing a door closer on the changing room or canteen door can save an average of up to 230 euros per year. Lastly, it’s recommended to compare energy suppliers to see whether switching could save money.
Solar panels and LED lighting
More and more stadium roofs in the Eredivisie are being fitted with solar panels. Amateur clubs should not be left behind. Installing solar panels on the roof allows the club to generate its electricity, resulting in major savings. These panels typically pay for themselves within about 7 years. After that, the club can enjoy many years of free electricity! Lighting is another area where money can be saved. Lighting football fields consumes a lot of power. Replacing the field lighting with LED lighting can lead to significant monthly savings. LED lights can save up to 50 percent per year. Depending on the number of lamps, this could mean up to 8,000 euros per year for a club.
Subsidy opportunities
Many clubs rely on investors and donors to become more sustainable. But they often don’t realize they can apply for subsidies to support these measures. Local municipalities often provide grants, such as the Municipal Accommodation Subsidy (for sports clubs) and the Municipal Project Subsidy (for one-time activities). In addition, sports clubs can apply for the BOSA scheme, which supports the construction and maintenance of sports facilities, as well as the purchase of sports equipment. Clubs can be reimbursed for 20% of their investment costs, and an additional 10% subsidy is available specifically for sustainable investments.
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