BT calls on sports fans to go 100% renewable

The ‘100% Sport’ initiative – a collaboration between the telecoms giant and sustainable sports spokesperson Ben Ainslie – aims to spark “a global movement to make using 100% renewable energy the new normal”.

BT chief sustainability officer Niall Dunne said: “This campaign is about how sports fans can change the world. When Chelsea played their London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on New Year’s Day this year, 1.7m BT Sport customers tuned in.

“Imagine if just 10% of those, a mere fraction of the UK’s football fans, switched to renewable energy. That’s the carbon saving equivalent of taking almost 50,000 cars off the road every year,”

“Coming together for our clubs is what teamwork is all about; and it’s this teamwork that can help us meet the global goals of building a sustainable future.”

BT is a founding member of the RE100 initiative and is already powered by 100% renewable electricity in the UK, with a commitment towards 100% renewable electricity globally by 2020.

100% Sport – Inspiring sports fans around the world to #go100percent renewable energy http://t.co/lx4xwg6346 https://t.co/dQ334UfAXh

— BT Better Future (@BTBetterFuture) September 28, 2015

Leading the way

The initiative’s spokesperson, Ben Ainslie, has previously called on the sporting world to set an example to fans by switching to clean energy. The headquarters of his Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) sailing team is topped with solar panels and built to the BREEAM Excellent standard.

We are ready to #go100percent follow us to #RaiseTheBAR and #BringTheCupHome. pic.twitter.com/NLct8Mty8b

— Land Rover BAR (@LandRoverBAR) September 28, 2015

Speaking at the launch of the 100% Sport initiative, Ainslie said: “As a sailor I’m constantly aware of my surroundings. Sailing at venues around the world you get to see first-hand and up-close water pollution.

“It’s not just something I’ve read about, it’s something I’ve seen and experienced. I’ve also experienced the real power of fans – cheering you on to the finish line, and seeing how they have got behind our race to become a truly sustainable sports team.” 

“I believe sport can extend far beyond the race course, the pitch or the court. We have a unique opportunity to harness the power of fans around the world. Because when we come together, we can have a huge impact.”

I am joining @AinslieBen & @BTBetterFuture to #go100percent renewable energy – Are you? http://t.co/PgHiUAgYr5

— Austin Healey (@IamAustinHealey) September 27, 2015

Brad Allen