Tottenham Hotspur have just signed up to the United Nations’ (UN) 'Race to Zero' initiative and committed to plans of reaching carbon net zero emissions by 2040.

Spurs are currently leading the Premier League's sustainability charge with a number of environmentally-conscious measures already in place. Along with discouraging single-use plastics, using LED lighting across their facilities and having a Nike kit made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, the club use fully renewable energy at their Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Earlier in the season, Spurs hosted the world’s first elite level net zero carbon game. Fans were only permitted to walk or use sustainable transport methods to attend the game, and the amount of vegetarian and plant-based meals on offer in the stadium were increased by 94%.

Spurs' commitment coincided  with the news of them securing the Premier League’s sustainability top spot  for a third consecutive year - ranked by the UN-backed Sport Positive summit. Donna-Maria Cullen, Tottenham's Executive Director, said: “Joining the UN Race to Zero is a significant next step on our journey and provides us with a clear pathway and emission reduction targets that we are prepared to meet."

Liverpool joined Spurs at the top of the 2021 ranking, also scoring 23 points out of a maximum 24. The Reds were rewarded for planting more than 900 trees, hedges, bushes and wildflower plugs at their academy base, among other initiatives.

The Reds will also aim to utilise sustainable aviation fuel in the future – which could reportedly reduce carbon emissions by 80%. Billy Hogan, Liverpool's Chief Executive, said: “I think probably - like all organisations - we’re all concerned about the impact that we have on the environment and on our local communities.”