Project Overview
Leading the Way in Sustainable Sport
Hull KR set out to become the greenest rugby league club in the UK. C3 Group was commissioned to deliver a comprehensive Net Zero Strategy covering Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. The plan addressed everything from energy efficiency and infrastructure upgrades to fan engagement and cultural change, with a target of achieving net zero by 2030.
What We Did
From Club Values to Climate Action
In close collaboration with Hull KR and local partners, C3 Group created a data-driven, phased roadmap to net zero. Designed with the club’s identity in mind, the strategy balanced technical feasibility with community relevance – ensuring long-term, measurable impact.
Scope of Work:
- Carbon footprint assessment, revealing emissions of 323.46 tonnes CO₂ annually
- Phased Net Zero Roadmap, split into:
- Immediate actions (0-3 years)
- Medium-term goals (3-7 years)
- Long-term vision (2030+)
- Feasibility study for heat decarbonisation
- Sustainability initiatives aligned to sport, community and social value delivery
The Results
Turning Strategy Into On-the-Ground Action
Phase one focused on practical infrastructure upgrades and community engagement, delivering visible improvements to energy systems and club culture.
Key Outcomes:
- Solar PV panels installed on the west stand roof
- Battery storage designed to maximise solar usage
- Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) and thermal storage replaced fossil-fuel systems
- Building fabric upgrades to improve airtightness and performance
- LED lighting and insulation to meet 2024 energy efficiency regulations
- Rainwater harvesting to reduce water bills and improve pitch health
- Launched the Green Living Challenge to engage fans, players, and staff
- Appointed internal Sustainability and Social Value Champions
What’s Next
Scaling Impact Across the Club and Community
With the foundations in place, Hull KR is now implementing their medium- and long-term sustainability goals.
Next Steps:
- Transitioning to an electric fleet over the next 3 years
- Promoting sustainable fan travel via walking, cycling, and public transport
- Installing EV chargers at Craven Park
- Rolling out a zero waste strategy to eliminate landfill waste by 2030
- Expanding social value initiatives across education, employment, and access to sport
This is more than a carbon strategy – it’s a culture shift. Hull KR is becoming a champion for sustainability in professional sport and the wider Hull community.
Work with C3 Group
Want to Build a Net Zero Roadmap for Your Organisation?
At C3 Group, we help sports clubs, trusts, and community-led organisations design sustainability strategies that deliver real results – from energy assessments to engagement programmes.
Let’s kick off your next step to net zero.
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