When international sporting events such as the Commonwealth Games declare sustainability as their number one priority, it speaks volumes about the urgency of the climate crisis and the value placed on confronting it. From football stadiums to velodromes, a new contest is unfolding — not between rival teams, but between carbon-intensive traditions and a rapidly emerging model of sustainable sport. The shift is playing out vividly in the evolution of the Commonwealth Games, where environmental responsibility is no longer a side initiative but a guiding principle.

Environmental Hangover of the Matchday

Sporting events in Scotland reveal the scale of environmental challenges. At the 2024 Bowls Scotland National Championships alone, more than 5300 kg of waste was generated in just one week — ranging from food waste to plastics and packaging — highlighting how quickly rubbish accumulates even at a single mid-sized tournament. Across the wider UK, grassroots sport contributes an estimated 4 million tonnes of CO2 annually, driven largely by stadium energy use, travel and event operations. In Scotland, where sport supports over 69,000 jobs and billions in economic activity, this environmental footprint is deeply embedded in everyday sporting culture.

Scotland’s Stadiums Reimagined

Scotland’s stadiums are undergoing quiet but smart, high-impact transformation — redefining how world class sports can be delivered with sustainability at its core.

Smarter Operations – OVO Hydro has adopted paperless ticketing, locally sourced food, and tree planting initiatives — small changes that scale across millions of visitors.

Reuse over Rebuild – Legacy venues such as Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Tollcross International Swimming Centre are being used in 2026, avoiding heavy emissions linked to new construction.

Energy Efficiency – At Hampden Park, LED Floodlighting reduces electricity demand without compromising performance.

Greener Travel – Fans are encouraged to use low-carbon transport; Celtic Park and Ibrox Stadium are both well-connected to bus and rail networks, with added bike storage and initiatives promoting walking routes to reduce matchday emissions.

Commonwealth Games 2026: A Turning Point For Sustainable Sports?

The Commonwealth Games 2026 are not just another chapter in Global Sports — they signal a bold reimagining of what such events stand for, with Glasgow chosen as the stage for this transformation. At a time when climate urgency can no longer be ignored, the Commonwealth Games are placing sustainability at the heart of their vision, championing “greener games” that treads lighter on the planet. By prioritizing existing venues over new construction, cutting waste, and driving down carbon emissions in line with Scotland’s net-zero ambitions, the 2026 edition presents a smarter, more responsible model of hosting. But the ambition goes further — this is about creating a lasting legacy, where the impact extends far beyond the final medal.

The Fan Factor

One of the greatest challenges of Sustainable Sport is not infrastructure but human behaviour. Viewers and fans can rethink their fan experience at sports venues. Beyond the stadium gates, there are some changes that fans can make to create a greater impact.

• Walk, cycle, carpool, or use public transport instead of driving solo — travel is the biggest source of emissions.
• Use digital tickets instead of printed ones to reduce paper waste.
• Carry a reusable water bottle or paper cups if allowed — cuts down single-use plastic.
• Opt for locally sourced or plant-based meals when available — they have lower carbon footprint.
• Reuse team merchandise or consider second-hand kits instead of buying new every season

Sportswashing: Sponsorship vs Sustainability

On one hand the clubs and leagues promote “net zero” ambitions and yet they are heavily dependent on some of the most carbon-intensive industries such as the airlines industry.

Many critics believe that fossil fuel companies invest into sports sponsorships as part of “sportswashing” — associating with popular sports to normalize brands otherwise linked to environmental damage.

Airlines are among the prominent sponsors in European football — and the UK is a central hub of this relationship. The financial incentives are huge, but the environmental cost is stark. A 2024 analysis by Fossil Free Football found that airline sponsorship deals linked to Champions League teams correspond to roughly 14.7 million tonnes of CO2 annually — comparable to emissions from some of Europe’s dirtiest coal plants.

The issue extends beyond aviation. Oil, gas and petrochemical firms have embedded themselves across global sport. Critics argue such partnerships are designed to reframe polluters as supporters of health and performance.

A Contested Future

At the heart of this transformation lies a difficult tension. Sport has always been built on expansion — bigger crowds, grander stages, and an ever-growing global audience. Sustainability, by contrast, calls for restraint. The real challenge for Scotland’s sporting landscape is whether these two forces can coexist, or whether one must ultimately give way to the other.

For now, the signs are encouraging. Scotland’s venues are becoming testing grounds for climate-conscious innovation. What unfolds next will carry implications far beyond sport. If Scotland’s model succeeds, it could redefine how global events are staged — proving that scale and sustainability need not be at odds.

rashmiisharma

Hi, I Rashmii Sharma (she/her). I am thrilled to contribute to the Strathclyde Telegraph as a sustainability writer. I am also the founder and President of the Sustainability Society (SITY) at the Strath Union. You can become a member of the society for free and follow us on Instagram @strathsustainability. When I am not digging up policies or interviewing eco-innovators, I love trying hands at complicated recipes and capturing the scenic beauty of Scotland.