Liverpool Football Club has introduced a new initiative aimed at addressing the environmental impact of its merchandise. In collaboration with 1PointFive, a subsidiary of Occidental (Oxy) specializing in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, the club will offer products for fans that have had their carbon footprint offset through the purchase of DAC-based carbon credits. This move is part of Liverpool FC’s broader sustainability strategy and reflects the growing trend among sports organizations to integrate carbon management into their operations.
Liverpool FC has been working on sustainability efforts for several years, aligning its goals with global climate targets. The club’s “The Red Way” strategy, launched in 2021, focuses on reducing operational carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2040. The commitment also includes making its merchandise carbon neutral by 2030. Other football clubs have also taken similar measures, but Liverpool FC’s effort to integrate DAC-based carbon credits sets it apart. Compared to conventional offset programs, DAC captures CO2 directly from the atmosphere, making it a developing but potentially impactful solution.
How Will This Collaboration Work?
Under the agreement, Liverpool FC will assess the total emissions generated from merchandise production and distribution. The club will then purchase an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits from 1PointFive to offset these emissions. This approach enables fans to purchase products that have been accounted for in terms of carbon impact, aligning with the club’s sustainability objectives.
Ben Latty, Chief Commercial Officer at Liverpool FC, stated:
“Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at the club. Through The Red Way, we are dedicated to reducing our carbon footprint and driving positive change for our people, planet and communities. Joining forces with 1PointFive allows us to explore innovative carbon-removal technologies, sharing knowledge, expertise and helping to advance our journey to halve all of our operational emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2040.”
What Role Does Direct Air Capture Play?
Direct Air Capture is recognized as a significant method for carbon removal by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The technology extracts CO2 directly from the atmosphere, which can then be stored or utilized in industrial applications. Studies from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have indicated that large-scale carbon removal will be necessary to meet climate targets, with DAC expected to contribute substantially to global CO2 reduction efforts.
1PointFive is currently developing several DAC projects in the U.S., including the STRATOS facility in Texas, which is expected to be the world’s largest DAC plant when completed. The facility aims to capture 500,000 tonnes of CO2 annually and is projected to become operational by mid-2025. The company sees its work with Liverpool FC as a model for how DAC technology can be integrated into consumer products.
Michael Avery, President and General Manager of 1PointFive, commented:
“Our organisations have a shared mission of sustainability and by working together we can provide a model for how to use Direct Air Capture to address product emissions and empower consumers to make more carbon-conscious choices.”
The collaboration between Liverpool FC and 1PointFive highlights a shift in corporate and sports sustainability efforts towards more direct carbon removal technologies. While traditional carbon offsetting methods such as reforestation and renewable energy investments remain common, DAC offers a more precise way to address emissions. However, challenges remain, including the high costs associated with DAC and the need for further scalability. As more organizations explore these solutions, the effectiveness of DAC in commercial applications will be closely watched. The success of Liverpool FC’s initiative could influence other sports teams and brands considering similar environmental commitments.
