Sustainability and Climate Change
Environmental sustainability and physical activity go hand in hand. The quality of our environment affects how, where and whether people can be active – and the way physical activity is delivered also has an impact on the environment.
Climate change is already shaping opportunities to be active in Gloucestershire. Flooding, extreme heat, poor air quality and reduced access to green and blue spaces can disrupt activity and deepen existing inequalities. At the same time, sport and physical activity influence the environment through travel, facilities, energy use and purchasing.
By working differently, the sector has a real opportunity to reduce its environmental impact, protect the places people are active and inspire positive change.
Through we can move, partners across sport, health, communities and the environment are working together to create sustainable communities in sustainable places – places where active lives and a healthy environment support each other.
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Our approach
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Active Gloucestershire’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2031 sets out how we are:
- Leading by example, reducing our own environmental impact
- Supporting others to take action, through shared learning, collaboration and practical support
The strategy aligns with national priorities, including Sport England’s Every Move strategy, while responding to the realities of Gloucestershire’s people and places.
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Working together
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Creating sustainable, active environments is a shared effort. Through we can move, we collaborate with local authorities, clubs, groups, facility operators, community and health organisations to:
- Share insight, learning and local examples
- Connect activity, health, climate and place-based agendas
- Build confidence and capability across the system
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Supporting clubs, groups and organisations
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Clubs and community organisations are central to active lives in Gloucestershire. Our role is to inspire, connect and enable by:
- Making sustainability practical and accessible
- Sharing tools, resources and real-world examples
- Creating opportunities for learning, support and collaboration
You don’t need to be an expert to get started – small steps can make a big collective difference.
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Get involved
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This work is ongoing. We’ll continue to share inspiration, resources, events and opportunities to support sustainability and climate action across Gloucestershire.
Take action
- Read the strategy
- Make Your Move (Greener) – sign up for updates, tips, resources and events
- Join a briefing or event
- Get in touch to find out how we can support you
Sign up for updates
Sign up to receive updates on our environmental sustainability work and be part of a growing community committed to creating healthier people and a healthier planet.
How can sustainable physical activity support the environment?
Promoting Sustainable Practices:
Adopting eco-friendly measures at events and facilities to reduce carbon footprint
Encouraging Active Transport:
Promoting walking, cycling and wheeling to decrease vehicle emissions
Raising Awareness and Advocacy:
Harnessing sports platforms to educate the public and advocate for sustainable behaviours
Enhancing Urban Green Spaces:
Integrating green spaces into sports facilities and involving communities in their upkeep
Supporting Research and Innovation:
Investing in sustainable technologies and partnering with environmental groups
Promoting Health and Wellbeing:
Encouraging outdoor activities that foster a culture valuing natural spaces
Setting an Example:
High-profile events, programmes and facilities demonstrating sustainable practices to influence broader public behaviour
Collectively these efforts can contribute to mitigating climate change and fostering environmental sustainability. For further information and resources check out the following links:
Sport Environment and Climate Coalition Resource Hub
An information hub developed by a group of leading organisations in the sport and physical activity sector to help you reduce your environmental impact.
Tackling climate change in Gloucestershire
All Gloucestershire councils have now declared a climate emergency. The councils’ shared vision is that by 2045 a carbon neutral county will have been created that provides quality of life now and for future generations, having improved the quality of the natural environment. To learn more about the county’s Climate Change Strategy click here.
Buddle
Videos, case studies and guidance on how your club or community group can introduce sustainable practices across your operations.
