RESPONSIBILITY
REPORT SUMMARY
21
AGF is based on four core values that set the agenda for our own and others’ expectations for our work: We are responsible. We are hardworking. We want to win and we are proud of Aarhus. Underlining the values AARHUS and RESPONSIBILITY, we each year publish this responsibility report, highlighting all of our responsibility activities in the past year. The report demonstrates our wish to be a committed part of our community, and we want to actively contribute to a positive development.
Jacob Nielsen, CEO, AGF A/S
There is an incredible power in the community around our football club. The community embraces, it takes responsibility and it reaches out. This is the foundation on which we build AGF’s work with responsibility and sustainability now and in the future. We start by taking the best step that we know of, and then we collect knowledge of the next best steps. In 2021, we have taken a lot of steps in a more sustainable direction, and we have started strong collaborations around responsibility with many new as well as existing partners. Only together can we move forward.
Anne Jensen, Director of branding and sustainability, AGF A/S
AGF RESPONSIBILITY
STRATEGY
2021-2026 AGF is characterized by a winning
With the recognition that our use of
mentality, hard work and being a
the Earth’s resources is unsustainable,
lighthouse for Aarhus. A club that has
it calls for someone to take the lead in
existed for more than 100 years and
the fight for the climate. AGF would like
that would like to continue to do so for
to take that responsibility. We are proud
the next 100 years as well. Over time,
of the position that we hold, and we use
a strong and close bond has been
it actively and purposefully to make a
established with the citizens of Aarhus.
positive difference for people around us
The club has become a meeting
and for the planet that we inhabit.
point for community, experiences and cohesion.
AARHUS
AARHUS because AGF for many years has played a central role in the city as a meeting point for community, experiences and cohesion - a role which AGF wants to strengthen in the future.
ANSVAR
RESPONSIBILITY because being a key player in the community comes with commitments, but is also a unique opportunity to make a positive difference and to give something back.
FREMTID
FUTURE because AGF wants to help ensure that the world we live in has the opportunity to exist for many years to come. And here, an increased focus on sustainability is a prerequisite.
In 2021, we have defined AGF’s Responsibility Strategy 2021-2026. It is a tool that we will continue to work with and
“LIGHT ON OUR FEET” Our footprint and resource consumption
“BROAD SHOULDERS” Our socal responsibility
PARTNERSHIPS FOR DEVELOPMENT Our collaboration with sponsors, partners and suppliers
COMMUNITIES FOR ACTION Our close ties with fans and the community around the club
develop. The strategy is based on 4 strategic tracks, which set the direction for and bring together AGF’s sustainability initiatives. Under each of the 4 tracks, key issues, goals and specific initiatives have been defined.
HOW THE RESPONSIBILITY WORK IS ORGANISED AT AGF Working with responsibility is everyone’s task
In addition, AGF Sustainability Board has
at AGF; it is not something that is relegated
been formed by a number of AGF’s gold and
to a corner of the organization. It is formally
premium sponsors, and last but not least, the
anchored with the director of branding and
AGF Green Think Tank has been established,
sustainability, referring to the CEO.
consisting of 20 voluntary members who collaborate with AGF on the work with sustainability.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CEO/MANAGEMENT
RESPONSIBILITY STRATEGY
DIRECTOR OF BRANDING & SUSTAINABILITY
ALL EMPLOYEES
AGF SUSTAINABILITY BOARD
AGF GREEN THINK TANK
SIGNATORY OF INTERNATIONAL PRINCIPLES AGF HAS SIGNED THE UN SPORTS FOR CLIMATE ACTION FRAMEWORK, BECOMING THE 1ST SIGNATORY CLUB IN DENMARK
STRATEGY TRACK:
“LIGHT ON OUR FEET” Our footprint and resource consumption At AGF we are committed to minimizing our environmental footprint across all of our club operations and to lead the way towards a greener future by inspiring others to take action against climate change. We focus on everything from energy and waste to purchasing and transportation.
CLIMATE ACCOUNTING In 2021, AGF A/S had our first GHG reporting done As part of the EU-funded project Rethink Business, we mapped the total CO2 emissions, with the 2018/19 season as baseline. Since it was the first time, and the data at the same time had to be subtracted from a pre-covid season, the numbers are subject to some uncertainty, but they were not surprising. The report showed that the greatest environmental impact lies in the areas of energy, food and beverage, textiles and transport, which are the areas that we have already started to change.
1% 4% OTHER
G
T OR
SP
AN
TR
7%
IN KAG PAC
9%
TE XT IL
ES
ENERGY
17%
D
FOO
GE RA EVE B &
62%
Since 2020, AGF has used 100% power from renewable sources
Since 2020, AGF’s home jersey has been made of 100% recycled materials
100%
Since 2020, fans at Ceres Park have been able to separate their waste into 4 different bins
How to separate your waste at Ceres Park
Clean-up walk in the forest
CLEAN-UP AARHUS
Together for the environment - and an invitation to a home game afterwards. What’s not to like? For the second time, we invited fans
With the event, we want to make it clear
and other good people to come out one
that everyone can do something when
afternoon to remove waste from the
it comes to fighting climate change, and
forests and the area surrounding Ceres
that even smaller steps apply.
Park & Arena. We had a great day, enjoying a very meaningful time-out.
STRATEGY TRACK:
“BROAD SHOULDERS” Our social responsibility As a meeting point for community and experiences for so many years, we know that this role comes with great responsibility. That is why we every day make an effort to make a positive difference for the many people who are part of the club, our city, the fans and other stakeholders. And this is why we reach out to those who are not a natural part of the community and who especially might need a helping hand.
FOOTBALL HELPS BACK ON TRACK In 2021, AGF launched a project to contribute to more young people getting an education. By using football as the basis, and adding a strong focus on structure and community,
Sportucation can help the kids in the Danish primary schools, who are at risk of not getting an education, back on track. The program is coordinated between Aarhus Municipality, AGF and Danish sports association DGI.
Sportucation consists of four elements:
1 2 3 4
Football training in a professional environment during school hours. Shared breakfast, packed lunch and support to develop their professional and social skills.
Self-revitalizing conversations: The young people have regular conversations with clear objectives and follow-up.
Bridge building for student jobs and internships: Access to AGF’s sponsor network that can open the doors to e.g. leisure jobs and internships.
Continuation to be part of DGI’s communities after completing the course.
AGF CHRISTMAS AID AGF’s CHRISTMAS AID was launched two years ago in connection with the last home game of the season. For every spectator at the match, 100 DKK is raised for Christmas aid. And with 9,083 spectators at our last match in 2021, this means that AGF’S CHRISTMAS AID in 2021 reached a value of DKK 908,300. - AGF’s CHRISTMAS AID means a lot, and it just creates so much joy. We help some people who are really in need and I just have to say that it has been a great success all these years. Now we have been doing it for three years, and it has been wonderful to also give these people an opportunity to watch a match and give them a football experience - it’s not something they would normally be able to give themselves. So it is worth so much, says Hanne Lange from Børnenes Kontor in Aarhus, one of the organizations that are part of AGF’s CHRISTMAS AID.
AARHUS ROLLING
DEVILS
At AGF, we believe that football should be for everyone. Also if you are in a wheelchair. Therefore, we are really happy that in 2021 we were able to present a new collaboration with Aarhus Rolling Devils, which is the city’s only club for powerchair football. 25 years ago, Aarhus Rolling Devils was the first powerchair club in Denmark. At the time there were quite a few players of the sport in Denmark, but now it has become more widespread. Aarhus Rolling Devils have won more than ten Danish championships and participated in international competitions.
“Football is about emotions, passion and community! It is such a strong driver for a more sustainable development, and we have only just seen the beginning.” - Anne Jensen, Director branding & sustainability at AGF
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