Brentford news: Earth Day – How are Bees developing a sustainability?

Brentford know they have a “responsibility” to protect the environment and communities, but are “excited” for the journey ahead.

The Bees’ approach to sustainability comes under five key pillars – governance, climate, waste and circularity, nature and engagement.

Since the introduction of the strategy, the club have been making progress and introducing initiatives in all areas.

This has included discounted train travel for fans travelling to away matches, releasing a new home kit bi-annually, planting an orchard locally and a community garden outside the stadium.

“Sustainability is becoming more important for football clubs, and for all organisations,” Brentford sustainability manager James Beale told BBC Sport.

“A couple of years ago, the club developed our sustainability strategy and one of the outcomes from it was that we realised it’s a huge topic – it’s important,”

“Everyone’s got a responsibility for sustainability. We recognise the platform that we have as a Premier League club. We also understand the influence that we have in helping our fans become more sustainable.

“As a club, we like to focus on the community. Our stadium is called The Gtech Community Stadium, and we know we have a very local fan base. We want to make sure that they have an environment to thrive in now and for future generations.”

Tuesday, 22 April marks Earth Day – a day in the international calendar that provides the opportunity to reflect on progress and understand future opportunities to be more sustainable.

At the end of last season, Brentford released their first sustainability report. It brought together their sustainability work into one place and allowed the club to transparently communicate their progress to supporters.

However, it also acknowledged how this is just the beginning, and they plan on going further in all five of their key pillars.

“We are doing lots, but there’s always more to be done,” Beale added.

“It’s a journey and this is early days. We’re excited about how we can build on our work so far.

“I think there’s a fine balance to be struck between recognising the significance of the issue and giving it the attention it deserves, but also building this into our normal everyday actions and not making it this big, scary thing for fans and something they can’t deal with.”

Come back later on Tuesday for more on Brentford’s sustainability journey