Digital strategies: reimagining sustainable business solutions for sports clubs

Sustainable business solutions are increasingly gaining traction in the world of professional sports. In addition to environmentally-friendly initiatives put in place by leading sports organisations in the US like the NBA or NFL, prominent European leagues like the UK’s Premier League have also implemented several important measures. As one of the highest grossing pro sports organisations, the Premier League has used its position to raise awareness and further the importance of sustainable practices. 

The UN has defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” and has acknowledged that sports are “an important facilitator of sustainable development.” In fact, one of the principal goals of the UN’s Sports for Climate Action Initiative is for the global sports community to combat climate change through commitments and partnerships that work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

However, most of the efforts we currently hear about are sports organisations implementing zero waste events or switching to solar energy to power arenas. Although these are important changes, organisations often only focus on assessing the environmental impact of the facility or event instead of having a wider vision that includes business operations and a more comprehensive approach. Sometimes this is due to pushback from upper level management even though fans are often in favor of more environmentally-friendly practices.

Here at Docuten we have discussed at length how digital transformation can improve corporate social responsibility, and the importance of a paperless office, but what are leading sports organisations doing to improve the environmental impact of their administrative processes?

Professional Spanish football club SD Eibar is integrating sustainable solutions at all levels of their business operations. We recently spoke to Gergori Prieto, Director of Administration, Finance and HR at SD Eibar, about how Docuten’s sustainable business solutions have helped the club further their environmental action plan:

Interview with Gergori Prieto | SD Eibar

1. Some of the most important values for the Eibar Sports Society are innovation, transparency and excellence. What have been the most relevant milestones implemented over the last year to ensure these objectives are met?

The club’s strategic plan details how to achieve these objectives. With the collaboration of the club’s Foundation, an action plan for environmentally sustainable business practices has been outlined that aims to improve how innovation, transparency and excellence is measured for procedures the club has implemented. The environmental action plan approved this past season will significantly impact how we work. Moving forward, we want to rely on technological innovation that will allow us to be more sustainable and improve channels towards better transparency.

2. Do you think that administrative digitalisation is an essential strategy for improving the competitiveness of sports clubs? Why?

Sports clubs are coming off several years of changes that have significantly improved the way we work. Now we are more efficient and have been able to improve productivity and competitiveness, which means there are new opportunities in a rapidly changing and complex market. Digitisation is here to stay; it is the future for not only private but public administration, and we have to be open to growing and improving, which means taking advantage of the opportunities that innovation offers in all areas of club management.

3. You had already begun the process of digital transformation, so why did you decide to implement digital signature? At what point were you in terms of digitalisation?

As I said, a changing market coupled with the events of the past year led us to evaluate the possibility of digitalising additional processes like signature. We wanted to accelerate how long it takes to get documents signed regardless of physical location. Relying on digital signature has guaranteed that documents remain official and has saved us the cost of transport in certain cases (along with reducing our carbon footprint). We have realised that digitalising signature streamlines, improves and guarantees the success of administrative processes. Plus, results have been very positive since everyone who has participated in digital signature processes thinks it is a significant improvement for the club.

4. In SD Eibar’s Transparency Guidelines, corporate responsibility is mentioned and there is a focus on sustainability. Do you think that administrative digitalisation is important when it comes to reducing the environmental impact of your club?

Digital signature and the digitalisation of the club’s processes has clearly had a positive environmental impact. First, we no longer print any documents unnecessarily which means less paper is used and more energy is saved. Second, if we no longer have to travel to get documents signed, we are reducing greenhouse gas emissions. If we responsibly and appropriately use the innovations applied to administrative processes we will be able to improve our environmental impact, which is something that we were already focused on through the Foundation’s environmental action plan.

5. How has the internal transition been, going from traditional processes and to new digital methods? Has it been easily accepted and seen as a positive step forward from the point of view of internal and external staff?

It is true that all changes require a period of adjustment, and that everyone involved has to be adequately trained and given the support they need so that they can see improvements. We are aware of the complexity of the changes for staff, but the results we have seen to date have been very positive and gratifying for all of us who have committed to better process efficiency.

6. Why did you choose Docuten over other providers? 

Right now there are many different solutions available in the field of services that Docuten offers. However, Docuten’s commitment to continued innovation, the use of blockchain technology and the fact that they count many industry-leading companies as clients (both nationally and internationally, including sports clubs) is what guided our decision.

7. What recommendations would you give to other clubs that are in the situation you were in before?

The current situation has shown us that all markets are unstable, that when faced with new scenarios, innovation facilitates necessary changes that can improve productivity and how companies are managed. That’s why we are so happy with the results of administrative digitalisation and why we will continue in this approach.

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Ultimately, a paperless environment benefits everyone, so implementing digital tools like electronic invoicing or online contract signing is a no-brainer.  To learn more about Docuten’s complete services contact our team today.