Francesco Gianello, Facilities Management Director at Juventus and president of ESSMA (European Stadium and Safety Management Association), spoke at the conference `Smart and Sustainable Stadiums: Towards a New Era of Sport in Italy`. He shared insights about the transformation of the Juventus club:
“Juventus is undergoing significant change. The stadium is no longer just a venue for matches; it`s becoming a place for people to come together and respect the environment. This vision is embodied in the `Black and White and More` project, which, while recalling the team`s colors, emphasizes the need to do more for a responsible future.”
“The journey towards greater environmental responsibility began within Juventus itself, engaging all employees to integrate these ideas into every department. A team focused on environment, society, and governance was formed in collaboration with the Human Resources Department, making sustainability a core value for the company. The plan is structured into six key areas, or `planets,` addressing environmental, social, and governance aspects, guided by the `Black and White and More` principle.”
“A practical example is the `Emissions in the Corner` project, aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions. Despite the stadium`s exclusive use of clean energy and no gas consumption, fan travel constitutes the majority of emissions. Consequently, the club has begun assessing the environmental impact of fan travel, encouraging their participation in mitigation efforts.”
“To further environmental protection, various measures have been implemented to optimize energy and water usage within the stadium, and to improve waste management. Since 2018-2019, the stadium has been powered solely by clean energy. Waste compactors have been installed, and compostable materials are used in hospitality areas. Efforts are also underway to collect and purify rainwater for specific uses.”
“Regarding social responsibility, numerous initiatives have been created for employees and stadium staff. The aim is to ensure everyone understands the importance of their role and to foster a positive working environment. Inclusivity is paramount, which is why accessibility improvements have been made for people with disabilities, training courses are provided for stewards, and sign language is incorporated into communications.”