How South United Football Club are leading way for sustainable ecosystem in Bangalore

Former Kerala Blasters man Terry Phelan is the Sporting Director of South United Football Club.

South United Football Club aims to be an example of how to be a creator of a sustainable sporting ecosystem. Located in the heart of Bangalore, SUFC’s facility isn’t just a footballing destination – it’s a blend of cutting-edge design, environmentally conscious materials, and a touch of international charm.

South United Football Club’s commitment to sustainability is further exemplified by the incorporation of sustainable landscaping around the facility. Building around existing plants and trees, efficient irrigation systems, and permeable surfaces all contribute to minimizing the facility’s environmental impact. This holistic approach showcases the Club’s dedication to fostering harmonious coexistence with nature and the community.

Its innovative use of glass, adaptable steel structure, eco-friendly paints, internationally inspired design elements, captivating façade lighting, and strategic integration of sustainable materials all converge to create a holistic masterpiece. Beyond being a sports facility, the main building stands as an embodiment of the Club’s values, inspiring players, fans, and the community to strive for excellence and embrace sustainable choices. 

One of the main building’s distinctive features is the innovative use of glass with a double sandwich system. This ingenious design choice serves a dual purpose: to reduce heat gain during the sweltering days in Bangalore and to allow an abundance of natural light to permeate the interior spaces. This not only enhances the energy efficiency of the facility but also creates an inviting ambience that fosters a connection between the visiting community and their environment.

As part of its endeavour to maintain sustainability, SUFC also undertakes garbage segregation into wet and dry waste. With several water problems in the state, measured and minimal water is used for cleaning, and moderately formulated chemicals are utilized for the maintenance and upkeep of the property.

The turf chosen also does not need to be watered, thus reducing the overall water consumption in comparison to mud, grass, or other turf grounds. SUFC also undertakes rainwater harvesting solutions where water is collected in an underground tank, which is then filtered for reuse to clean open areas in the office. 

SUFC uses LED lights instead of halogens on its football fields and in the office. In addition to the above, other exercises like avoiding the usage of paper glasses wherever possible to save paper and dry-cleaning selected areas to save water are also part of the operational procedures implemented at the facility. Our café, which sees a large footfall every day, uses only recycled and recyclable products and is completely plastic-free. On average, SUFC welcomes around 40,000 people to their facility every month.

Another substantial achievement at South United Football Club is attaining financial sustainability as a Football Club, despite it being extremely hard and unique to do so at a grassroots level in India. Through the Club’s business model, SUFC is involved in various business verticals ranging from the Football Club to the Academy, Sports Events, Sports Infrastructure, Sports Education, and Sports Foundation, all to build a self-sustainable sporting ecosystem that can act as a case study for other football clubs in the country who also have the same purpose.

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