Environmental, Social and Governance

Leeds Rhinos recognises that sport plays a critical role in limiting the worst effects of climate change and creating a sustainable future for our planet.

We know and understand that we must do everything we can to limit our harmful effect on the globe. But we also believe we can go further than that and use our platform as a positive voice for change. Through education, in partnership with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, we will raise ESG awareness by promoting sustainable travel and food options to our spectators and demonstrate how making environmentally friendly changes and choices can make a big difference to their carbon footprint.

We are committed to decarbonising our operations and will do this by reducing the amount of energy we consume, continue to generate our own electricity, eliminate gas use, and recycle 65% of all waste produced with zero to landfill.

Our commitment to delivering positive experiences and inspiring all our people through the power of sport remains strong and true. At Leeds Rhinos we are dedicated to our planet and community goals, aiming to achieve net zero in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, with a 37% reduction in scope 3 emissions by 2050.

For us, ESG isn’t just a trend; it’s ingrained in our operations. We’re integrating ESG into our supply chains, project designs, and community support initiatives. Our focus extends to educating and engaging our colleagues, evidenced by their overwhelming satisfaction and concern for our shared environment

Across the Caddick Group we are working together to foster a culture of sustainability, ensuring our business thrives responsibly and ethically.

Sue Ward
Operations Director

Leeds Rhinos are committed to reducing the energy and water the club uses to keep our buildings running. We have implemented a number of projects at the training ground and the stadium to reduce our energy and water consumption.

Leeds Rhinos remains steadfast in its mission to be a force for good and encourage greater environmental responsibility among fans, peers, and business partners. The past year has seen the club invest in numerous efficiency and sustainability projects:

- Solar PV panels on the South Stand roof, forecasted to generate 185,000kwh of power in 2024

- Water Borehole system to enable the extraction of 20,000L of water for pitch irrigation

- Procurement of 100% renewable energy

- Installation of 8 electric charging points

As part of its ongoing ESG Strategy, Leeds Rhinos is on track to be net zero in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and achieve a 37% reduction in scope 3 emissions by 2050.

There are various interventions to ensure we use energy as efficiently as we possibly can .

- Timeclocks and PIR sensors ensure lighting switches off when not in use

- LED (light emitting diode) used for the advertising boards, the replay screen, and the floodlights

The installation of Building Management Systems has allowed us to set parameters for heating, cooling, and ventilation based on the requirements of the user. Close monitoring of the BMS and energy consumption enables us to spot issues and take steps to improve energy efficiency and keep a watchful eye on costs.

The location of AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium on the major bus and train routes from Leeds city centre makes travel to the stadium by public transport a significant opportunity for Leeds Rhinos to reduce our Scope 3 emissions.

We support both home and away fans to travel to the stadium via low-carbon transport such as public transport, cycling including the hiring of E-bikes, and walking.

Through our partnership with First Bus, we offer reduced rates for supporters to travel to and from games on matchdays. Leeds Rhinos support First Bus with their mission to grow bus usage, moving people out of cars and onto bus.

First Bus is committed to operating a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035. By March 2024, 15% of our will fleet will comprise Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs).

Leeds Rhinos offers coach travel to all away games to reduce the number of cars making the journey to fixtures.

We monitor the percentage of fans taking different modes of transport and report this annually

We have installed EV charging points at the stadium and training ground

Leeds Rhinos is on track to achieve a 37% reduction in their Scope 3 emissions by 2050. Fan travel represents 51% of our scope 3 and 42% of our total GHG footprint. 75% of that total is attributed to car travel with 94% of that total relating to Leeds Rhinos fans; 6% to opposition fans.

Fan Travel

• Encourage fans to take coaches

• Collaborate with local bus services

• Support local active travel infrastructure

• Incentivise sustainable travel modes

• Engage fans in sustainability through events such as Net Zero match

Business Travel

• Consider if in person meetings are required

• Encourage staff to use public transport and car sharing

• Switch company fleet vehicles to hybrid or full electric

Purchased Goods and Services

• Implement supply chain engagement programme to accurately report and reduce supply chain emissions

• Engage with suppliers to identify collaborative solutions to reduce emissions

• Update procurement policy to tighten sustainability criteria

• Use local suppliers where possible

Leeds Rhinos activities generate a significant amount of waste. We working closely with our partners to monitor and reduce that waste.

We support our partner, Sodexo, with their commitment to halve their own food waste by 2025, a key element of their roadmap to Net Zero. But with the United Nations stating that one-third of the world’s food goes to waste, we are determined to also work towards supporting measures which will cut food waste outside our own operations.

A third of all food produced globally ends up being wasted*, making food waste one of the greatest contributors to climate change and biggest scandals of our time.
WasteWatch is a measurement system allowing kitchen teams to understand what’s thrown away, and why, making it easy to identify efficiencies and make informed menu choices backed up by real-time data. This technology is a key weapon in our fight against food waste.

This includes the use of the ORCA waste disposal system on site. ORCA is an innovative, clean food digester, designed to reduce your environmental impact. Just like a stomach, ORCA mixes food waste with microorganisms to break it down in a sealed container. Once finished, all that is left is a liquid which is safely expelled down your waste pipe. Read our 2023 report on the impact the ORCA system has had at AMT Headingley Stadium below