RB Leipzig Publishes 2023/24 Sustainability Progress Report, Reinforces Strategy Across Social, Ecological, and Economic Pillars.

Roger Hampel
Apr 2
2 min read

Roger Hampel

Photo Credit: RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig has released its official Sustainability Progress Report for the 2023/2024 season, outlining key milestones, updated targets, and the operationalization of its “PLAY. CARE. SHARE.” sustainability framework. The comprehensive report provides detailed updates on environmental performance, youth development, workplace culture, fan engagement, and the club’s broader role within Leipzig and beyond.

The document, structured according to GRI 2021 standards, marks a continuation of RB Leipzig’s efforts to integrate ESG principles across its organizational structure, aligning with both DFL’s new sustainability guidelines and UEFA’s Strength Through Unity strategy.

Sustainability as a Club-Wide Commitment RB Leipzig Sustainability

RB Leipzig’s sustainability efforts are organized around three core pillars:

PLAY: Reflecting the club's commitment to performance and proactive action.
CARE: Focusing on environmental and social responsibility.
SHARE: Emphasizing knowledge-sharing and collaboration.

These principles are embedded into all levels of the club—from management to players to operations staff—supported by an internal Sustainability Taskforce and a dedicated Ambassador Program designed to increase employee involvement in long-term environmental and social goals.

Key Highlights from the 2023/24 Season

🟢 Ecological Action

CO₂ footprint: 25,782 tons CO₂e for 2023/24. RB Leipzig is targeting a long-term reduction plan aligned with the 2040 timeline.
Energy: 100% green electricity used across all sites. Expansion of PV installations on the Academy building and integration of LED systems.
Mobility: 65% of fans now arrive on matchday using sustainable transport modes (public transport, cycling, walking), up from 60% the previous year.
Waste: Red Bull Arena achieved Zero Waste Bronze Certification. RB also developed material reuse projects like converting old stadium seats into a public mini-pitch (Soccercourt).

🔵 Social Engagement

RB Leipzig organized over 25 workshops for youth in its Lernzentrum Leipzig, focusing on topics like anti-discrimination and media literacy.
Partnered with local schools, foundations, and NGOs to deliver inclusive initiatives like the Glühwürmchenumzug, which raised €32,000 for children's charities.
Provided free and discounted access to matches and mobility services for fans with disabilities, including dedicated services like live audio description and sign language interpretation.
RB’s FootballFreunde Cup hosted children with and without disabilities, reinforcing the club's inclusive ethos.

🔴 Economic and Structural Sustainability

Youth Development: More than 230 players are now part of the academy system, with a focus on both football and personal growth. Nutrition, education, and sport psychology are embedded into the development model.
Employment: Over 380 staff members are supported through ergonomic workplaces, free meals, education stipends, and JobRad leasing schemes.
Integrity & Compliance: RB Leipzig continues to expand its Code of Conduct, anti-corruption trainings, and internal ethics mechanisms like the anonymous "Speak Up" channel.

Forward-Looking Objectives for 2024/25

RB Leipzig has outlined four main areas of emphasis for the coming season:

Community engagement
- Scaling social projects in Leipzig and launching additional Soccercourt installations.
Internal engagement
- Expanding the employee Ambassador Program and launching new mentoring and training initiatives.
CO₂ and energy
- Scaling PV systems, defining detailed carbon reduction targets across departments, and integrating sustainability criteria into the design of the club’s new HQ.
Sustainable operations
- Enhancing material cycles, developing sustainable product portfolios, and rolling out new waste reduction protocols across the stadium, academy, and offices.