Always the same dream
~ With Antlers, For Sustainability ~

Antlers' Sustainability Philosophy

Kashima Antlers, with the desire to "protect an environment where future generations can enjoy soccer with peace of mind," will earnestly confront the future of the earth, people, and regions with the same passion as winning on the pitch.

 

This stance is clearly articulated in the club's sustainability policy, "Sharing the Same Dream Forever ~ With Antlers, For Sustainability ~."

*"Always the Same Dream" is a phrase that symbolizes the sustainability policy formulated to ensure that the spirit of "Football Dream ~Let's dream the same dream~," which has been upheld since the club's early days, continues without interruption.
As times change and the environment, football, and the nature of communities undergo significant transformations, continuing to dream the same dream requires a foundation for the club's sustained existence—protecting the environment, growing with the community, and passing on values to the next generation. This phrase embodies the determination to connect Kashima Antlers' Football Dream, which began in the early days, to the future and to continue dreaming the same dream with all teammates, both within and outside the club.

Antlers pursues the realization of a sustainable society with the same passion with which it pursues victory.
Building a sustainable society is also a mid-to-long-term management policy for the club to enhance its competitiveness and continue to grow together with the community.

Antlers' sustainability is based on three pillars: "Planet," "Family (community and partners)," and "Spirit (philosophy and governance)." We have set specific measures and goals for the seven key themes closely related to these pillars.

Three pillars of sustainability policy

Planet
Minimize the environmental impact of club activities and protect a sustainable competitive environment adapted to climate change.

 

Family (Local Community & Partners)
Collaborate with local communities and partner companies to solve local issues and achieve sustainable development together.

 

Spirit (Philosophy & Governance)
Through education and communication, we will expand interest in and action towards sustainability, bringing a positive impact to the community and society.

Policy and Commitment by Theme

1. Basic policy on climate change

Background

  • Global environmental issues such as climate change, increasing plastic waste, and resource depletion are not unrelated to the sports industry.
  • Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are having a significant impact on people's lives, nature, and ecosystems. If we do not act now, it will become more difficult and costly to respond to these impacts.
  • We will work to minimize our environmental impact and achieve a sustainable future through all club activities, including not only stadium and match operations, but also resource use, water management, ecosystem conservation, and procurement.
  • In addition to initiatives at stadiums and clubhouses, we will expand mechanisms for everyone to participate through social media and community partnerships.

 

Main Objectives

  1. Minimize the environmental impact of club activities.
  2. Adapt to climate change and preserve an environment where matches can be played safely.
  3. Promote environmental protection in a way that is accessible to everyone.

 

Action Policy

  • We will expand environmentally friendly options to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout the entire supply chain.
  • We will share best practices from Japan and overseas with our business partners, suppliers, and external stakeholders, and together promote decarbonization and reduction of environmental impact.
  • Based on our "Sustainable Procurement Policy," we will promote the procurement of low-carbon materials, food, and other items.
  • We will support understanding of climate change and behavioral change through education for players, academy players, coaches, and staff.
  • We will establish mechanisms through internal and external club communication for everyone to participate in efforts to protect the global environment.
  • We will identify and appropriately manage the risks of climate change on club operations, facilities, and employee safety.
  • We will regularly monitor energy consumption at all club-related facilities and implement a systematic energy efficiency plan while complying with environmental laws and various standards.
  • As necessary, we will align with certifications and legal systems such as CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency) and the Act on Rationalizing Energy Use, and continuously promote energy optimization and emission reduction.
  • We will communicate with fans and supporters to spread actions that contribute to a decarbonized society in their daily lives.
     

Commitments

  • We will set science-based reduction targets for Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions that are aligned with SBTi standards. We aim to achieve a 42% reduction in Scope 1+2 by 2030 compared to FY2021, a 25% reduction in Scope 3 by 2030 compared to FY2023, and an overall reduction of over 90% (net zero) by 2050.
  • Targets and progress will be published on the official club website.
  • We aim to use 100% renewable energy for electricity at all locations.

2. Environmentally friendly travel

Background

  • The movement of fans, supporters, players, and staff for stadium attendance and club activities emits a large amount of greenhouse gases (CO₂, etc.).
  • In particular, on match days at Mercari Stadium, where public transportation options are limited and most visitors arrive by private car, a significant environmental impact is generated by exhaust emissions.
  • In light of this situation, Antlers will establish and promote a system that makes it easier for all Antlers family members involved in club operations and viewing activities to choose transportation methods that minimize environmental impact.

 

Main Objectives

  1. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with club-wide travel.
  2. To collaborate with local communities and partner companies to create an environmentally friendly and convenient transportation environment without compromising the fan and supporter experience.

 

Action Plan

  • Fan and Supporter Travel
    • Continuously collect and analyze all data related to visitors' travel (transportation methods, average distance, travel time, traffic congestion, number of passengers per vehicle, etc.) and continuously support and improve the shift to environmentally friendly travel without compromising the viewing experience.
    • Promote the use of low-impact transportation methods such as public transport (trains, buses), carpooling, cycling, and walking.
    • In collaboration with local communities and partners, we will expand access options that balance sustainability with convenience and comfort, so that visitors can choose the optimal method according to their residence, travel distance, and viewing style.
  • Player and Club Staff Travel
    • Progressively transition team buses and company cars to EVs and hybrids.
    • Prioritize public transportation and carpooling for business trips and expeditions, and utilize remote work and online meetings to reduce unnecessary travel.
    • Furthermore, we will install EV charging facilities at the clubhouse and stadium and promote the use of electricity from renewable energy sources.
       

Commitment

  • To promote and encourage environmentally friendly transportation as much as possible, we will continuously monitor and analyze visitor travel data on match days and publish the results once every season.
  • To reduce the environmental impact of travel to the stadium, we will work to visualize and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with each visitor's travel.
  • Considering the increase in emissions due to increased attendance, we will gradually establish a system to reduce the environmental impact of attending home games and promote a sustainable viewing style together with fans and supporters.
  • We aim to increase the proportion of environmentally friendly transportation methods (public transport, cycling, walking, etc.) by 10% from the current level by 2030.

3. Resource Recycling

Background

  • Antlers' activities, such as match days and events, consume many resources and generate waste on a daily basis. The amount of waste, particularly food and drink containers and leftover food, is a challenge during matches and events.
  • As a sports club, we aim to achieve resource circulation in match operations through waste separation, collection, and recycling, which only a sports club can do.

 

Main Objectives

  1. To establish a system for resource separation, collection, and recycling at all facilities, including the stadium and clubhouse, and to ensure thorough resource recovery from waste.
  2. To reduce the generation of waste by promoting the reduction of single-use plastics and creating a reuse system.

 

Policy

  • Resource circulation of waste and promotion of separation
    • Waste generated at club facilities and stadiums will be separated and collected, then sent for resource recovery through appropriate recyclers whenever possible.
    • We will clarify recycling routes for each material, such as plastic, paper, cans, and food waste, to transform them into circulating resources.
    • For food and beverage sales and merchandise, we will adopt materials and containers that are easy to separate and reusable/recyclable, and place separation stations along common routes to encourage visitors to separate waste naturally.
    • We will devise ways to improve the type, shape, labeling, and color-coding of waste bins to create an environment where visitors can intuitively separate waste.
  • Reduction of single-use plastics and introduction of alternative materials
    • Single-use plastics such as trays, cutlery, and cups used on match days and at events will be abolished and replaced with paper, wood, bamboo, and plant-derived biodegradable materials.
    • Single-use plastics for novelties and distributed items will also be phased out, transitioning to reusable goods and novelties.
  • Promotion of 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) across the club
    • As a club, we will thoroughly implement "Reduce = do not bring in unnecessary items." If that is difficult, we will prioritize "Reuse = reuse," and finally, we will promote "Recycle = recycle." This principle will be communicated to all employees and stakeholders and practiced in all aspects of daily operations.
       

Commitment

  • We aim to achieve a recycling rate of 50% or more for waste generated from team facilities and the stadium and to realize a stadium where resources circulate together with fans and supporters.
  • We aim to abolish the use of single-use plastics in all related facilities, including the stadium on match days, and promote the introduction of alternative materials and the creation of reusable systems to achieve operations that do not rely on single-use plastics.

4. Water Resources

Background

  • Water is a vital resource, essential for our lives and the natural environment.
  • From meals, crops, and the ecosystems of animals and plants, to pitch irrigation, use at club facilities, and providing drinks on match days, Antlers' activities require a lot of water. However, due to the effects of extreme weather, urbanization, and human activities, it is becoming difficult to ensure a sustainable supply of water resources both locally and globally.
  • Antlers will strive to use water carefully and eliminate waste in its activities.

 

Main Objectives

  1. Optimize water usage across all facilities including the stadium, clubhouse, and training grounds, and continuously reduce water consumption per unit.
    2. Expand the use of groundwater for non-drinking purposes such as irrigation, cleaning, and toilets, and gradually reduce reliance on tap water.
    3. Foster awareness of careful water use among the entire Antlers Family, including fans, supporters, and club employees, and pass on a rich water environment to the next generation.

 

Action Policy

  • Responsible Water Use in Daily Operations
    • All club staff will be mindful of water conservation in their daily tasks at the clubhouse and other facilities, practicing responsible water use in cleaning, irrigation, and beverage provision.
    • Through educational activities for fans and supporters, we will spread awareness of careful water use in daily life, contributing to water environment conservation as an entire Antlers Family.
  • Sustainable Water Use at Club Facilities
    • We will regularly grasp and analyze data by usage area and time, identify areas for improvement, and achieve more efficient water use.
    • We will monitor water usage for toilets, kitchens, and cleaning on match days and, if necessary, implement phased equipment improvements and investments to ensure efficient use.
    • We will more actively utilize resources such as groundwater and rainwater for pitch irrigation, gradually reducing reliance on tap water.
    • To promote the use of rainwater and recycled water, we will consider installing reusable piping and storage tanks during future facility renovations.
       

Commitment

  • We will promote the visualization of water usage at all facilities, including the stadium, clubhouse, and training grounds, and establish a monitoring system by purpose and facility. Furthermore, we will promote the reuse of groundwater and rainwater and the introduction of water-saving equipment, aiming to reduce tap water consumption by 10% by 2030. In the future, we will set specific reduction targets based on water usage data from all facilities and disclose our progress once every season. (※After fully understanding the current water usage situation, we will set target years and reduction amounts that are consistent with reality and announce them on the club's official website.)

5. Nature and ecosystem conservation

Background

  • Many trees and creatures live in Antlers' hometown and around the club facilities. Our activities are deeply connected with nature, and preserving its richness also leads to fostering future soccer culture.
  • If the local nature and ecosystem are lost, the benefits from nature such as water, food, and climate stability will be lost, and our lives will be greatly affected.

 

Main Objectives

  1. Minimize the impact on nature from all club facilities and activities, and work to conserve biodiversity.
  2. Protect the nature of our hometown and pass on an environment where fans and children can enjoy themselves safely to the future.

 

Action Plan

  • We will respect the rich natural environment of Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture, where the stadium and clubhouse are located, and the surrounding areas, and work together with local residents to promote efforts for its conservation.
    • We will respect and protect wildlife and its habitats within the club's owned premises.
    • We will minimize the impact of matchday lighting and sound on nature.
    • We will work to conserve native species through the management of plantings and green spaces, and promote activities with the community to maintain a good natural environment around the stadium.
    • In collaboration with local governments, community organizations, and partner companies, we will continue to conduct clean-ups on the coasts of our hometown. The collected waste will be sorted on-site and linked to appropriate processing and resource recovery, striving to maintain beautiful and safe coasts and conserve the ecosystem.

Commitment

  • We will carry out activities to protect the ecosystem of our hometown at least three times a year and publish the results (number of participants, amount of waste collected, etc.) once every season.

6. Procurement

Background

  • Antlers' activities involve various procurements, including uniforms, merchandise, soccer balls, food and beverages at the stadium, and materials necessary for game operations. Transforming these into sustainable forms is an essential initiative for the club to fulfill its responsibilities to the community and the future.
  • Antlers will collaborate with its business partners to enhance sustainability throughout the supply chain, emphasizing environmental considerations, respect for human rights, fair labor practices, and contributions to diversity and the local community.

 

Main Objective

  1. To share the concept of "sustainable procurement" across the entire club and promote procurement that considers the environment, human rights, and local communities, together with all involved business partners.

 

Policy

  • Antlers will fulfill its responsibilities to the environment, society, and economy in all procurement activities, achieving both the club's sustainable growth and contributions to the local community.
  • When initiating new transactions, we will verify environmental considerations and social responsibility aspects, and engage in procurement that benefits the region and the future.
  • For existing transactions, we will pursue continuous improvements through dialogue with business partners, aiming to establish a more sustainable procurement system.
  • In procurement, we will prioritize the following:
    • Commitment to Sustainability
    • Clearly demonstrate a commitment to social and environmental considerations, and emphasize sustainability.
    • Understanding of Long-Life Value
    • Prioritize companies that can provide durable and reusable merchandise and stadium materials.
    • Maintenance of Ethical Standards
    • Ensure transparency in procurement and meet ethical standards, such as fair wages and health and safety.
    • Local Procurement / Local Employment
    • Support local procurement and manufacturing by companies based in the region.
    • Actively create employment and career opportunities for local residents.
    • Ensuring Traceability
    • Strive to track records such as the origin of raw materials, manufacturing and processing sites, and certification status, where possible.
       

Commitment

  • The club will review its entire procurement activities once per season to achieve sustainable procurement from the perspectives of environmental and social responsibility, and fair trade.
  • In selecting business partners, we will prioritize environmental considerations and a stance on social responsibility, and build relationships with partners who align with the club's philosophy and policies and share our values.

7. An Open Spectating Experience

Background

  • Antlers aims to create a stadium environment where everyone, regardless of age, gender, disability, nationality, or position, can enjoy matches with peace of mind.
  • Match viewing is the most important place connecting the club and the community, and we believe that "accessibility for everyone, comfortable and safe participation" leads to true sustainability.
  • By improving the viewing experience, we will create a positive cycle throughout the community, where diverse people meet through soccer and spend time together.

 

Main Objectives

  1. To create a stadium environment where everyone can watch matches safely and comfortably.
  2. To spread a viewing culture where the community and people connect through the stadium experience.

 

Policy

  • Based on universal design, we will progressively develop facilities that prioritize accessibility, safety, and comfort, and establish an operational system that considers diverse visitors.
  • We will promote a stadium culture as a "co-creation space" where the club, fans, and community generate value together through matches and local events.
     

Commitment

  • We will progressively improve all facilities from a universal design perspective, expanding the provision of wheelchair seating, braille information, audio guides, nursing rooms, quiet spaces, and more. We will continuously conduct visitor surveys on the viewing experience and implement improvements based on the results.
  • We will continue with free invitation and collaborative initiatives that allow local children and diverse groups to experience watching matches, regardless of their economic or social background.