By supporting the UN’s ‘Race to Zero’ initiative, VfL Wolfsburg sent a strong signal in 2020 in favour of ambitious climate action in professional football. VfL, already showing firm commitment to sustainability at that time, became one of the first sports clubs in the world to commit itself to clearly measurable and science-based targets, and developed a consistent reduction strategy along the entire value chain. Five years later, it is clear that many of the measures initiated at that time are taking effect, transparency in climate management has been significantly increased, and even if not all targets have been fully achieved, the club continues to consistently align its actions with the agreed reduction path.
Reduced footprint, clear progress
In the 2024/25 season, VfL Wolfsburg managed to reduce its carbon footprint by 10,379 tonnes of CO₂. This corresponds to a reduction of six percent compared to the previous year, and 21 percent compared to the base year 2017/18. In areas that can be directly influenced (Scope 1 and 2), the reduction is as high as 43 percent. Emissions from business travel (a 21 percent reduction) and the company’s own vehicle fleet (a 10 percent reduction) developed particularly positively in the last season, for which new regulations were implemented and infrastructure upgrades were carried out. Compared to the base year, the savings were particularly significant in the energy sector (a 58 percent reduction). Among other things, continuous efficiency measures and smart energy management contributed to this.
Challenges ahead, collaboration the key
Around 75 percent of total emissions continue to be attributable to Scope 3 – in particular fan mobility, purchased goods and services, and supply chains. VfL has already laid important foundations in these areas, for example through mobility analyses, more sustainable catering and merchandising offerings, reusable systems, waste concepts, and CO₂ transparency in public catering. Nevertheless, the data clearly shows that this is where the greatest leverage and challenges lie for the coming years. VfL is focusing on joint commitment with regional partners and the ongoing implementation of its environmental strategy with climate protection projects in the areas of mobility, circular economy and biodiversity. A central component of the climate protection strategy is also the long-term cooperation with NABU, which has been in place since the beginning of 2025. Through the NABU Climate Fund, VfL Wolfsburg is investing in the rewetting of moors as natural CO₂ reservoirs and important habitats for biodiversity, with a regional focus. In addition, fans are actively involved through campaigns such as ‘Click for the Climate’ in the online shop and experience days on site.
Looking ahead: Race to Zero continues
For VfL Wolfsburg, 2025 marks not an end point, but an intermediate stage. With projects such as the expansion of sustainable infrastructure, a comprehensive water analysis, new mobility concepts and sustainable product lines, VfL will continue to pursue its course consistently. “The further reduction in our carbon footprint confirms that our climate protection measures are working,” said VfL managing director Michael Meeske. “At the same time, the analysis clearly shows where we need to make further improvements. With our future initiatives, we are taking these challenges on with determination. As in sport, climate action requires perseverance, teamwork and a long-term commitment.”
Details on climate-friendly operations and climate-friendly mobility can be found on pages 52–59 of the current sustainability report.
