BBC Green Sport Awards: 2023 winners revealed

Winner: Forest Green Rovers Football Club

Why did they win?

Since Dale Vince bought a majority stake in the club in 2010, Forest Green Rovers have been on a mission to not only climb the football ladder, but do so as one of the most sustainable clubs in the world. In 2017, football’s world governing body Fifa described the League Two side as the “greenest football club in the world”, and in 2018 they became the United Nations’ first certified carbon-neutral football club. They continue to push to become even more sustainable, and in the past year have focused on switching to greener travel options for the team and fans, while continuing to work on the Eco Park development that will house their new stadium.

What did they say?

Dale Vince: “It’s a good feeling and it’s a good example of something that helps to propel us. There’s recognition around the award and it helps to carry our message around the world. It’s all part of our progress. In every sphere of life, we have to change and we have to green up, so sport isn’t immune from that. But, at the same time, sport has a unique place in our lives and an opportunity – it is influential.”

What did the nominations committee say?

“Forest Green Rovers lead the way in sustainably running a sports team and show that an entire organisation can be environmentally sustainable if you design it right. With a new stadium on the horizon, Forest Green Rovers will continue to be at the forefront of sustainability in sport.”