OM: First Carbon Footprint Assessment and a Roadmap for a More Sustainable Future in Football
Olympique de Marseille (OM) is more than just a football club: it’s a cultural icon that embodies the heart and passion of Marseille, France. Founded in 1899, OM has grown into one of the most prestigious clubs in France and Europe, drawing millions of fans with its impressive track record and deep commitment to its values. Its deep connection to the local community and passionate supporter base also positions the football club as a key driver of social and environmental progress.
A Structured Approach to Sustainability
OM has taken a leading role in corporate social responsibility (CSR), distinguishing itself as the only professional football club in France to hold ISO 20121 certification. It has implemented innovative initiatives, including the “Treizième Homme” program, which supports projects with a positive impact on the local community. This proactive approach reflects OM’s commitment to sustainability while strengthening its connection with the people of Marseille.
As part of its CSR strategy, OM has undertaken a carbon footprint assessment: a crucial step in understanding and reducing its environmental impact. By embracing a low-carbon pathway, OM is aligning itself with global efforts to combat climate change and secure the long-term future of professional sport.
Onepoint: Partnering with ‘Treizième Homme’
Recognising its deep ties to the local community, OM and ‘Treizième Homme’ have partnered with Onepoint, a Marseille-based consultancy in sustainable transformation and carbon footprint evaluation. Our holistic approach to CSR goes beyond environmental responsibility. We consider the economic, social, ecological, and technological impact of an organisation’s activities. With a “by design” approach, we help organisations rethink their models at a fundamental level, rather than simply adding sustainability as an afterthought.
A Rigorous Methodology
The Carbon Footprint Assessment, developed by ADEME, is an internationally recognised tool for measuring greenhouse gas emissions. The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has already embedded environmental criteria into its Club Licensing framework, encouraging clubs to actively engage in ecological transition. However, a carbon footprint assessment isn’t just about number. It is a practical tool for continuous improvement, helping to build a structured and effective low-carbon strategy.
Defining the scope of the carbon footprint is a critical first step. Onepoint has worked to provide OM with the most comprehensive overview of its impact, considering all areas of responsibility. This is essential, given that Scope 3 emissions (indirect emissions) can account for more than 90% of a club’s total carbon footprint.
A full assessment requires cross-functional collaboration and careful coordination between multiple stakeholders to ensure accurate data collection. Identifying key contributors to emissions, such as stadium operations, catering, travel, and logistics, is an essential phase, often taking several weeks. In some cases, external data sources are also required to get a complete picture.
For OM, the assessment covered licensing, catering, team travel, employee commuting, and supporter travel on game days. We co-designed a survey for each of these groups to gather the necessary data, ensuring an accurate and insightful evaluation of their carbon footprint.
We are incredibly grateful for Onepoint’s expertise and guidance in conducting our first carbon footprint assessment. As a leader in innovation, they have helped us develop a clear and practical roadmap for the coming seasons.
Clear Results and a Realistic Roadmap
The assessment identified the most carbon-intensive activities, allowing Onepoint, in partnership with Treizième Homme, to help OM define a low-carbon strategy. Through a collaborative workshop, all contributors to the assessment worked together to anticipate potential challenges and develop practical solutions. Every action was backed by a clear accountability framework, ensuring meaningful and measurable progress.
From data collection to shaping OM’s low-carbon roadmap, the engagement of all stakeholders was key to building consensus and driving real change. Through this partnership with Treizième Homme, OM is setting a new standard for sustainability in professional football, reinforcing its position as a leader in the sport’s environmental transformation.