WSA launches second Carbon Reduction Plan as Green Growth Pledge progress continues
The WSA has published its second Carbon Reduction Plan as the organisation continues its Green Growth Pledge progress and journey towards net zero.
Find our Carbon Reduction Plan here.
The Pledge helps Welsh businesses take pro-active steps towards improving their sustainability, as well as joining a growing community of forward-thinking organisations who are helping Wales transition to a low carbon future.
As an organisation, the WSA aims to achieve net zero by 2050, making the reduction of carbon emissions integral to all business planning and decision-making processes to do so.
Our Carbon Reduction Plan, taking into account data from 2025, details the progress made in reporting and the key initiatives we will put in place as our business grows to achieve our ambitions.
When looking at the carbon emissions from 2025 compared to the baseline year of 2024 within the WSA’s Carbon Reduction Plan, it is vital to note that increased accuracy and regularity in reporting has contributed to a higher level of carbon emissions.
The WSA’s activity over the past year has resulted in just under 11 tCO2e being emitted, compared to just under five in the year prior.
Much of this, however, was estimated. Therefore, having more accurate data will enable the organisation to implement more measured initiatives to achieve its ultimate goal of net zero in the future.
And taking steps to build the foundation to get there is vital, which is why our second Carbon Reduction Plan outlines initiatives that will enable further progress.
Find the full reporting and breakdown of emissions and plans to tackle them here.
In the past year, nearly three quarters of emissions came from employee commuting. So, for example, the WSA partnered with FleetEV to introduce salary sacrifice schemes on Electric Vehicles for staff as well as our wider membership.
As a result, two members of the WSA team have completed their switch to EVs, the impact of which will be visible by next year.
Amongst all the progress already made and the steps being taken to further that, the WSA projects to have decreased emissions to 7.72 tCO2e by 2031, representing a reduction of 29% and a solid trajectory towards the ultimate aim.
A key factor in the progress towards this has also been the identification of an individual in the team to lead on this piece of work, taking up the mantle of Sustainability Champion to ensure a centred approach to a net zero future.
That member of staff is Sion Jones, who commented:
“Publishing our second Carbon Reduction Plan marks another important step in our journey towards net zero.
“As our data becomes more accurate, we are better equipped to make informed decisions and implement meaningful changes that will reduce our impact over time.
“Thank you to Business Wales and Gráinne Connolly for all the support.”
The WSA encourages members and organisations across the sport and leisure sector to work with Business Wales and get started in the Green Growth Pledge.
“Sport has the power to inspire positive change, both on and off the pitch,” stated Gráinne, a Decarbonisation Adviser at Business Wales.
“At Business Wales, we support sports associations and organisations across Wales to take practical, meaningful steps towards sustainability and carbon reduction.
“Our Decarbonisation Team offers free support to help organisations understand and measure their carbon emissions, develop clear carbon reduction plans, and identify actions that work for their facilities, events, and communities. We also support organisations to take the Welsh Government Green Growth Pledge and can help develop sustainability and environmental policies that embed climate action into everyday decision-making.
“Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build on existing work, we are here to support you. By taking action now, sports organisations can lead by example, protect the places where sport is played, and create a lasting positive legacy for future generations. I encourage any organisation wanting to make sustainability part of their game plan to reach out to Business Wales.”
English