On and Off-Court: Wimbledonâs Targets for Sustainable Tennis
Wimbledon, the worldâs oldest tennis tournament, is also becoming one of its greenest.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) has embraced its responsibility to act on climate change, embedding sustainability throughout its operations.
From ambitious carbon goals to everyday waste management practices, Wimbledon is setting a global benchmark for sporting events aiming to reduce environmental impact.
Net zero at Wimbledon
At the heart of AELTCâs strategy is a commitment to reach net zero operational emissions by 2030.
This includes fully decarbonising buildings and on-site activities, reflecting a long-term investment in infrastructure and behavioural change.
Though bold, the plan aligns with international climate targets and shows how legacy institutions can evolve with urgency and purpose.
Wimbledon and IBM are partnering to monitor carbon emissions produced by the event.
âSustainability in this case means Envizi, an IBM company, will be on-boarded by AELTC to consolidate their Scope 1, 2, and some Scope 3 emissions data,â wrote Roberto Battistoni, Principle Partner Specialist, IBM Ecosystem Build UKI, on LinkedIn.
“This will include energy consumption from natural gas and electricity, along with water usage and waste generation data ... in one word we are partnering to deliver.”
Circular economy
Wimbledon is shifting towards a circular model by improving resource efficiency across its operations.
The goal is to reach zero-waste status by 2030, with materials continually reused, recycled or recovered.
Already, the tournament achieves an 85% recycling rate and sends no waste to landfill, converting unrecyclable materials into energy.
Boosting biodiversity
Recognising its responsibility as a land steward, the AELTC is pursuing a net gain in biodiversity.
Measures include habitat restoration, green roofs, living walls and expanded tree cover, all designed to support pollinators and urban wildlife.
These changes also help create a more climate-resilient estate in line with Wimbledon’s long-term regeneration plans.
Inspiring sustainable behaviour
Wimbledon is using its global platform to drive change beyond its grounds.
It hosts annual Environment Days and collaborates with partners and fans to promote sustainable behaviours.
By sharing its journey and lessons, the tournament encourages broader action across sport and society, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Wimbledon writes: "To sustain the running of the Club, our year-round operations and The Championships in a way that ensures we work towards our aim to have and advocate for a positive impact on our environment.
"We will be honest, transparent and act with integrity in what we can and cannot do.
"We will innovate in ways that respect our traditions and values.”
Measurable impact
- Renewable energy: Wimbledon runs entirely on renewable electricity, supported by on-site solar panels.
- Plastic reduction: Single-use plastics have been largely eliminated. Reusable cups save up to 500,000 plastic items annually, while refill stations have prevented more than 100,000 bottles from going to waste in a single event.
- Food waste: Approximately 1,000 kg of surplus food is donated to local charities, with additional waste composted into fertiliser.
- Transport: Low-emission vehicles, including electric lawnmowers and hybrid player transport, help cut local air pollution.
- Circular initiatives: Used tennis balls are either repurposed or donated and racket strings are collected for recycling.
Travel and Energy Recovery
Despite these successes, some hurdles remain.
Spectator travel accounts for 84% of the tournament’s 35,894 tonnes of COâe emissions, a challenge that’s complex to resolve without impacting attendance.
Similarly, while all waste is diverted from landfill, incineration for energy still releases greenhouse gases and needs further innovation.
Wimbledon’s environmental scorecard
- Carbon emissions: Net zero by 2030; current footprint at 35,894 tonnes COâe
- Energy: 100% renewable electricity; solar panels installed
- Waste: 85% recycling rate; zero waste sent to landfill
- Plastics: Reusable cups introduced; refill stations installed; single-use plastics eliminated in many areas
- Food waste: 1,000 kg of surplus food redistributed annually; composting in place
- Biodiversity: Living roofs and walls; habitat restoration; increased tree cover
- Transport: Electric and hybrid vehicles used; electric lawnmowers deployed
- Engagement: Annual Environment Days; community biodiversity initiatives.
Greener than ever
Wimbledon’s sustainability efforts are underpinned by its core values: Heritage, Integrity, Respect and Excellence.
The AELTC sees environmental responsibility not just as a requirement, but as an extension of its ethos.
As a signatory of the UN Sport for Climate Action Framework, it’s committed to being a force for good, on the court, in the community and across the climate movement.