GAIA PRETNER
SUSTAINABILITY
ECA
CHAMPIONING SUSTAINABILITY IN EUROPEAN FOOTBALL
Football is a global phenomenon, with billions of fans following their favourite clubs and players with unswerving loyalty.
Its carbon footprint is huge. But so is the growing sense of environmental and social responsibility.
In Europe, countless clubs are measuring and mitigating their impact on the planet, publishing sustainability reports and implementing low-carbon technology alongside initiatives designed to involve supporters in the process.
Their efforts are given impetus and support by the European Club Association( ECA), which represents more than 700 top-tier clubs across Europe.
Founded in 2008 with 16 members, ECA now has members from 25 countries and is significantly shaping the future of the game, both on and off the pitch. ECA’ s influence on sustainability is undeniable.
Gaia Pretner, Head of Sustainability, says:“ The Association recognises the significant environmental impact of professional football and has made sustainability a central pillar of its overall strategy.“ This commitment, reflected in a three-pillar strategy( Governance, Social and Environmental), is driven
GAIA PRETNER
TITLE: HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY
COMPANY: EUROPEAN CLUB ASSOCIATION
INDUSTRY: SPORT LOCATION: SWITZERLAND
Gaia, who previously led sustainable procurement for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, is a sustainability professional with expertise in areas including CSR, sustainability reporting and circular economy
102 April 2025