KNVB makes sustainability achievable for sports clubs with the Green Club Scan
How can football clubs across the Netherlands remain affordable and futureproof? That is the question the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) began addressing in 2018. Through De Groene Club (The Green Club), clubs now receive clear insights into their sustainability opportunities. “We want to show clubs that sustainability does not have to be complex, and that it is financially rewarding. It helps keep membership fees affordable and ensures that funds remain available for what truly matters in football: quality equipment, skilled coaches, and a welcoming club environment,” explains Thomas Degen, Sustainability Programme Manager at the KNVB.
Sustainability in sport: futureproof clubs
For the KNVB, sustainability centres around two key pillars. The first is social impact. With over four million people taking part in grassroots football every week, the sport has enormous reach. The KNVB is committed to using this network to advance important themes such as sustainability, inclusion, and health. The second pillar concerns futureproofing clubs.
The fixed costs for sports clubs, including energy, water, and waste, have risen significantly. Research by De Groene Club shows that clubs can reduce these costs by up to 40% through sustainable measures. The money saved can then be reinvested in what really matters: better equipment and player development. To support this ambition, the KNVB established De Groene Club in 2018. The sustainability programme, developed in partnership with Mitsubishi Electric, ING, Revolt, and Klimaatroute, conducts research, shares best practices, and supports clubs that wish to become more sustainable.
The Green Club Scan: insight into costs and benefits
To provide fast and accessible insight into sustainability opportunities, the KNVB commissioned CFP Green Buildings to develop the Green Club Scan. This online tool gives clubs a clear overview of relevant sustainability measures within minutes.
The scan outlines which interventions are suitable, what they cost, what they yield, and which subsidies are available. What makes the scan unique is its customised advice based on data: each report is tailored to the club’s actual energy consumption. This approach makes sustainability not only tangible but also achievable. For clubs that wish to take the next step, De Groene Club also offers on-site support and guidance.
“More than 4,000 clubs in the Netherlands have already benefited from the Green Club Scan, resulting in €55 million in investments and a reduction of 12 million kilograms of CO2.”
User-friendly tools developed with CFP
The KNVB collaborates with CFP Green Buildings on the ongoing development and refinement of the Green Club Scan and its additional modules. CFP contributes extensive expertise in subsidies, business cases, and user experience. As a result, the tool is accessible to a broad range of users, from volunteers to board members. “CFP is an expert in translating subsidies and business cases into practical insights that anyone can use,” explains Thomas. “People with all kinds of backgrounds use the scan, so accessibility is essential. Thanks to CFP, we can demonstrate that sustainability not only contributes to a better world, but also generates immediate financial value for clubs.”
DUMAVA module: support for subsidy applications
A strong example of this collaboration is the launch of the DUMAVA module. This tool allows clubs to generate a free energy report that meets all the requirements of the new government subsidy available for sports associations. “The timing was ideal. The opening of the DUMAVA scheme for sports associations coincided with the launch of the Green Club Scan,” Thomas notes. “This allowed clubs to receive direct support as they transitioned from the former BOSA subsidy to DUMAVA. The DUMAVA scheme has added a layer of complexity for many clubs, but the module makes the process much more manageable.”
Tangible results on the field
The Green Club Scan and related support services have already delivered visible results. For instance, HSV Heiloo decided to invest in sustainability when its energy costs began to soar. Measures such as insulation and the installation of solar panels enabled the club to reduce costs, keeping membership fees affordable and freeing up funds for youth development.
Another inspiring example is SC Den Dungen, which transitioned to a completely gas-free facility with support from De Groene Club. The club installed a heat pump and implemented several energy-saving measures, creating a sustainable and futureproof environment for its members. These real-life cases demonstrate that sustainability is not only financially viable, but also strengthens the long-term resilience of community sports.
Looking ahead: mobilising the entire sector
The challenges for sports associations remain considerable. Not every club has taken steps yet, and operating costs will continue to increase in the coming years. That is why the KNVB remains focused on inspiring clubs, providing practical support, and advocating for sufficient government subsidies. Through a national action plan for sustainable sports facilities, the KNVB calls on policymakers to provide structural support for sustainability in sport. “We are not there yet, and the challenge ahead is significant. But we know that sustainability delivers results. Once clubs experience those benefits first-hand, we will be able to bring the entire sector along in the transition towards a futureproof sporting landscape,” Thomas concludes.
