Chris Goodwin, Chelsea FC’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Manager, has quickly emerged as a standout figure in the world of sports sustainability. At just 24, Chris is the youngest sustainability manager in the Premier League and has already made significant strides in embedding ESG principles within one of football’s biggest brands. His work aligns with the BASIS 12 Principles of Sustainability, which he has used as a foundation for Chelsea’s overall sustainability strategy. His leadership within Chelsea, the Premier League, and broader sports networks is positioning him as a future leader in environmental stewardship.
How has there been a sustainable impact? In his role as Chelsea FC’s ESG Manager, Chris has been the driving force behind many impactful sustainability initiatives, creating real environmental and social value for the club and its community. Notable achievements include:
- Green Football Weekend (GFW): Chris led Chelsea’s involvement in the GFW campaign, securing 3rd place on the leaderboard. Key elements included offering 90% plant-based food at the Women’s Super League match against Everton, resulting in a 51% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 68% reduction in plastic waste. The campaign reached 32 million people, while the club saw a 32% increase in positive sentiment towards its sustainability efforts.
- Biodiversity Initiatives: Chris successfully pitched to MSC Cruises to use their partnership for environmental impact, leading to the creation of the “MSC Meadow,” where 100 trees were planted along the River Mole at Chelsea’s training ground. This project, which involved the club’s first-team players, raised awareness about biodiversity loss and had an international reach of over 2.6 million impressions.
- Advocacy & Policy: Beyond the club, Chris plays a crucial role in several wider sustainability initiatives. He co-chairs the Premier League’s Sustainability Working Group and leads a breakout group focused on sustainable fan travel. He is also a member of the London Climate Resilience Review and London’s Food Supply Chain Roundtable, contributing to discussions on how sport and cities can adapt to climate risks and reduce emissions.
- Fan Engagement: Chris’s leadership extends to fan interaction through Chelsea’s Sustainability Supporters Group, where he listens to fan input on environmental issues. Additionally, he presents on the Fan Advisory Board, engaging with Chelsea’s global fan base and supporters groups to encourage positive environmental behaviour.
- Sustainability Education: Chris has worked closely with the Chelsea Foundation to deliver 90 sustainability sessions to over 3,800 pupils, educating young people on critical environmental issues. He has also implemented reusable cup initiatives on matchdays and led workshops to educate fans on recycling and waste reduction.
- Governance & Reporting: Chris has taken full ownership of Chelsea FC’s governance structure, ensuring compliance with key sustainability reporting frameworks (SECR, TCFD, CSRD, TNFD, and ESG audits). He also chairs Chelsea’s 40-person strong Sustainability Working Group, focusing on driving the club’s ESG agenda.
How has there been a positive impact on sport? Chris Goodwin’s work at Chelsea FC has created ripples of positive change both within the club and across the broader sports industry:
- Industry Leadership: Chris’s role in co-chairing the Premier League’s Sustainability Working Group has enabled him to share best practices across the football ecosystem. His leadership in sustainable fan travel and his advocacy for green policies have contributed to shaping the sustainability strategies of other Premier League clubs.
- International Reach: Through initiatives like the MSC Meadow and the Green Football Weekend campaign, Chris has not only elevated Chelsea’s sustainability profile but also encouraged football fans worldwide to engage with environmental issues. With a global following of 615 million fans, Chelsea’s sustainability communications, which Chris has spearheaded, are now more frequent and impactful.
- Collaborative Advocacy: Chris’s work extends beyond football to broader sustainability issues. His involvement in cross-sector collaborations, such as the London Food Supply Chain Roundtable, highlights his dedication to creating systemic change through partnerships. His role in the London Climate Resilience Review reflects his broader vision of how sport can lead the way in addressing climate adaptation and resilience.
- Fan-Led Change: By establishing the Sustainability Supporters Group and engaging fans in initiatives like reusable cup collection and workshops on the 4 R’s of recycling, Chris has mobilised Chelsea’s fanbase to become active participants in the club’s sustainability journey. This fan engagement, combined with his focus on policy and governance, showcases how sport can influence positive environmental behaviour.
Judges’ Comments:
- “When does Chris get time to sleep?” Judges were astounded by the sheer volume and quality of work Chris has delivered in such a short time, particularly as the youngest sustainability manager in the Premier League.
- “Achieving profit with purpose:” Chris’s work with MSC Cruises, a company traditionally associated with high emissions, was praised as an exemplary model of how sports clubs can work with partners to raise their sustainability standards while maintaining commercial relationships.
- “Wider impact beyond Chelsea:” Chris’s involvement with external organisations like the London Food Supply Chain Roundtable was seen as particularly impressive, demonstrating that his influence goes beyond Chelsea to make a significant impact on the wider sports industry.
- “A worthy winner with so much to share:” Judges agreed that Chris’s contributions to Chelsea and the broader sports community make him a deserving winner, and they expressed excitement about his potential to shape the future of sustainability in sport.
Chris Goodwin’s rising star in the sports sustainability landscape is a testament to his vision, leadership, and ability to drive meaningful change. His achievements at Chelsea and beyond set a high standard for the next generation of environmental leaders in sport.
