What is Active Humber Pledging to do
Here’s how Active Humber and local organizations are working towards a more sustainable future in sport and physical activity.
Active Humber’s Climate Commitment
- In celebration of World Environment Day and the launch of Sport England’s Every Move Sustainability Strategy, we have renewed our climate pledges for 2024.
- We are proud to be featured in Sport England’s strategy (page 28) and continue striving to make a difference - Sport England's Every Move Strategy
CEO David Gent shares: "The Humber region is at the very front of the UK’s approach to tackling climate change and we at Active Humber are doing all we can to ensure that sport and physical activity across the Humber is playing our part in making the Humber as environmentally sustainable as is possible."
Oh Yes! Net Zero
This initiative builds on Hull’s history of innovation and aims to make the region Net Zero by 2050.
Ecofest
- Held in late 2023, Ecofest included events designed to help people learn about sustainability while having fun.
- Explore event ideas and inspiration for running your own sustainability-focused activities.
Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission
An independent advisory group bringing together public, private, and third-sector organizations to support ambitious climate action.
The Active Humber CEO represents the APNO on Sport Environment and Climate Commission (SECC), working to:
- Advocate for Net Zero in sport and physical activity.
- Help local sporting organizations reduce their environmental impact.
- Encourage people to be active through sustainable choices like walking and cycling.
Yorkshire & Humber Climate Action Pledge
A commitment for businesses and organizations to take climate action by:
- Reducing carbon emissions.
- Enhancing nature and biodiversity.
- Promoting fairness and sustainability.
Join the growing movement and help protect our region for the future!
By working together, we can make a real impact—for ourselves, our communities, and the planet.
Five Key Areas for Change at Active Humber
At Active Humber, we’re working hard to make sport and physical activity more sustainable, and we’re supporting Sport England’s Chair, Chris Boardman, on his 'Pedal for Paris' challenge.
To help ensure a sustainable future for sports and physical activity, we’re focusing on five key areas for change, based on Sport England’s new Sustainability Strategy.
1: Sustainable Operations
Here’s how we’re making our daily operations more eco-friendly at Active Humber:
Ethical Banking
We bank with Unity Trust Bank, which supports the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This includes:
- Responsible Lending: Helping make a positive impact with our finances.
- Record Achievements: Over £1 billion in social impact lending.
- Celebrating 40 Years: Marking four decades of ethical banking.
We also use the Royal London Pension Fund, known for its sustainable practices.
Carbon Neutral Premises
Our team relocated to the Aura Innovation Centre, which is carbon-neutral, cutting down our carbon footprint.
Agile Working
We’ve moved to flexible working. This has saved us 75% on building costs and helped reduce emissions, even though transport costs slightly increased.
Eco-Friendly Practices
- No More Printers: We’ve eliminated in-house printing and use ethical suppliers when printing is necessary.
- Sustainable Clothing & Events: We make sure our team clothing is eco-friendly and that event catering is sourced locally with strong sustainability standards.
At Active Humber, we encourage sports organisations and clubs across England to take action against climate change.
Sign up for the Sport England 'Going for Green' pledge on the Sport England website.
2: Our Support
Supporting local organisations in making greener changes can have a big impact. Here’s one example:
Sports Kit Recycling Scheme in Hull
Active Humber, in partnership with Street Games and Hull City Council, launched a city-wide sports kit recycling scheme in Hull. This initiative:
- Provided free sports kits to those in need.
- Reduced textile waste by collecting old kits.
Over the course of a week, sports kits were collected, sorted, and handed out through local organisations already involved in community activities. This project:
- Helped reduce the high cost of sports kits.
- Tackled the issue of 350,000 tonnes of clothing going to UK landfills each year.
In the long run, the goal is to build sustainable partnerships between sports providers and collection points to keep the program running.
3: Investment
Investing in local organisations to encourage environmental benefits can make a big impact. Here are two examples:
Promoting Active Travel through a Scooter Club at Chiltern Primary School
Chiltern Primary School in Hull is launching a new after-school scooter project to help students improve their scooter-riding skills. The goal is to:
Encourage students to use scooters for active travel and make it a fun, healthy activity.
Boost their confidence and abilities while promoting active lifestyles.
Funded by Active Humber through the Year 3 Opening Schools Facilities program, this initiative also promotes environmental sustainability by encouraging eco-friendly transportation.
The scooter club will provide a safe space where children can either bring their own scooters or borrow one from the school. This project aims to inspire a lifelong interest in, active travel helping to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to healthier communities.
Supporting R-evolution’s Environmental Initiatives
Active Humber is proud to support R-evolution, a charity focused on active travel and environmental sustainability in the Humber region.
R-evolution’s initiatives include:
- Bike refurbishing and bike libraries.
- Offering cycle maintenance training.
These efforts help reduce landfill waste by refurbishing donated bikes, which are then made available for use or affordable sale. This promotes carbon-neutral transportation, encouraging more people to cycle and walk, which reduces traffic congestion and improves air quality.
Through Active Humber’s support, these vital programs continue to grow, encouraging sustainable travel and healthier lifestyles while contributing to climate change goals.
4: Influencing the Natural and Built Environment
By partnering with local organisations, we’re helping to make a positive impact on the natural and built environments across the Humber region. Here’s how we’re involved:
EcoFest
Active Humber supported the Humber Eco Fest, which took place from 22 October to 11 November 2023. The goal was to:
- Encourage people to engage with environmental issues and take action against climate anxiety.
Showcase positive contributions from green groups, artists, and community organizations through various projects.
This 21-day event, organized by the Hull-based Creative & Cultural Organisation, aimed to:
- Inspire local communities to get involved in climate and nature initiatives.
- Highlight individuals making a difference in their communities and for the planet.
The festival featured both online eco-learning sessions with the Association of Sustainability Practitioners and offline events across the four local councils in the Humber area.
5: Advocacy
At Active Humber, we’re proud to be leaders and trusted partners in advocating for environmental sustainability and addressing climate change. We’re working at all levels—from national to local communities—to encourage others to adopt sustainable practices and move towards carbon neutrality.
Together, we’re building a system that promotes physical activity in an environmentally sustainable way. Join us in making a difference!
Learn more about our initiatives and partners here: Active Humber Climate Advocacy.
Building a Sustainable Sport and Physical Activity Sector in Yorkshire and the Humber
Active Humber is leading efforts to make the sport and physical activity sector more sustainable across Yorkshire and the Humber. This initiative was highlighted during the Yorkshire Sustainability Festival in June 2024.
At the festival, discussions focused on:
- How sport and physical activity can help promote environmental sustainability.
- Updates on how the region and nation are addressing environmental challenges.
- Best practices and successful sustainable projects within the sector.
- Involving stakeholders like local authorities, sports clubs, universities, and environmental charities.
David Gent from Active Humber and Chris Cutforth (sports professional and environmental advocate) empthsized the need to adopt sustainable practices in sports to reduce carbon footprints and raise environmental awareness.
Active Humber’s work is part of a larger effort to protect the environment and ensure sports remain sustainable for future generations.
For more details on Active Humber’s sustainability efforts, check out the full article on our website here.
You can learn more about how to encourage your club or setting to be more environmentally friendly on the Sport England website.
Active Humber Wins Prestigious Gold Oh! Yes Net Zero Award
Active Humber has been honoured with the Gold Oh! Yes Net Zero Award, recognising our exceptional efforts to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net zero.
This prestigious award highlights organisations that excel in:
- Sharing their carbon reduction plans.
- Involving employees in sustainability efforts.
- Collaborating with other organisations to promote environmental responsibility.
This achievement showcases Active Humber’s commitment to a greener future and sets an example for others in the region to follow.