Forest Green Rovers, widely hailed as the world's greenest soccer club, has taken another step forward on the sustainability front by replacing its gas-fired boiler with modern heat pump technology. The switch, announced by Rinnai, the manufacturer of the heat pump, integrates high-temperature air-source propane (R290) units for domestic hot water production, aligning with the club's dedication to reducing its carbon footprint.
Rinnai’s choice of the R290 heat pump over conventional methods highlights their commitment to energy efficiency and eco-friendliness. While the club still relies on gas-fired boilers and electric heaters for space heating, the new heat pump is set to significantly decrease their overall environmental impact. According to Rinnai, businesses are increasingly seeking energy-efficient solutions, with 2024 projected to be a record year for heat pump sales.
“We are seeing a huge increase in demand [for R290 heat pumps],” a Rinnai representative stated, pointing to the growing interest among customers and the inevitable transition toward cleaner energy sources.
Forest Green Rovers has long been at the forefront of sustainability efforts within the sports industry. Recognized by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) as the “world’s greenest” team in 2017, and declared the first carbon-neutral soccer team by the United Nations the following year, the club has aspirations to set industry-wide standards. The club cut its CO2 emissions by 21.8% between the 2018/19 and 2022/23 seasons, powered entirely by renewable sources like solar energy and wind power.
Despite the substantial advantages offered by propane-based heat pumps, including increased energy efficiency and the potential for producing high-temperature water efficiently, some cost barriers linger. The operating expenses for heat pumps are projected to be approximately 23% more pricey than conventional gas heating systems, primarily due to higher electricity costs. "While the initial investment might seem substantial, the long-term savings and reductions in carbon emissions present compelling arguments for adopting heat pump technology,” Rinnai added.
The innovative R290 heat pump technology is not only creating momentum within Forest Green Rovers but across the entirety of English football. The Football Association (FA) initiated its five-year sustainability strategy in 2023 with the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions across its operations by 2024. This strategy emphasizes minimizing electricity and gas consumption by 2028 and motivates clubs to adopt greener practices.
Within this framework, initiatives like the English Football League (EFL) Green Clubs scheme have emerged since its launch in 2021, which is aimed at supporting teams as they seek greener operations. Forest Green Rovers is among the three clubs to achieve GreenCode Accredited status, alongside Bristol City and Sutton United.
“The Best Heat Pump Brand Award showcases the importance of sustainable heating solutions as the UK transitions toward a greener future,” noted Mars, the Founding Editor of Renewable Heating Hub. The organization recently recognized Mitsubishi Electric as the best heat pump brand for 2025, after evaluating over 5,700 votes from homeowners. This signifies not just individual brand achievements but also highlights the movement toward environmentally responsible choices among consumers.
With clubs like Forest Green Rovers leading by example, there is hope for the integration of sustainable technologies across the league. The feasibility of widespread heat pump implementation gets support through initiatives and financial incentives introduced by the government, encouraging all clubs to pivot toward greener alternatives.
Rinnai emphasizes the operational advantages of R290 heat pumps, stating they offer efficiencies and compliance with European regulations. These enhancements mark the beginning of what they hope will be widespread adoption throughout various sectors, including sports.
Looking to the future, Forest Green Rovers is constructing a new stadium, though the completion date remains uncertain. The club faces the unique challenge of ensuring this new facility continues to embody their core values of sustainability. With efforts like the recent adoption of the air-source heat pump, the team remains steadfast on its path to maintain its title as the world’s greenest soccer club, setting the bar higher for others in the industry.