Published on December 17th, 2025
Location: Germany
Borussia Dortmund Champions Sustainability in Professional Football at Business Reception in Tokyo
Sustainability elevated as the central theme of BVB’s Tokyo summit for the first time.
Leaders from Japanese and German football exchange sustainability perspectives.
Stakeholders champion initiatives strengthen social and corporate responsibilities.
BVB sets a world record in clean energy innovation at Signal Iduna Park Stadium.
Leaders from Japanese and German football exchange sustainability perspectives.
Stakeholders champion initiatives strengthen social and corporate responsibilities.
BVB sets a world record in clean energy innovation at Signal Iduna Park Stadium.
Driving a Sustainable Football Future with Football
Fresh off a victorious UEFA Champions League clash against Villarreal, Borussia Dortmund (BVB) returned to Japan with strong momentum — convening its annual Borussia Dortmund Business Reception in Tokyo. This year, the club took a decisive step by incorporating a business summit format and elevating “Sustainability in Professional Football” as a central strategic priority — reflecting a broader global imperative that extends far beyond the pitch.
Marking its fourth Business Reception in Japan — and the first with sustainability embedded at the heart of the program — BVB reinforced its role as a leader and agenda-setter in advancing sustainable transformation across the global football industry.
Hosted at the JFA Soccer Culture Creation Hub “blue-ing”, the event brought together influential stakeholders — global and regional partners, leading media, and cross-industry sustainability specialists.
Representing the Japan Football Association (JFA), Naoto Takano, Director of Corporate Planning, outlined JFA’s progressive sustainability strategy. Under its “ASPASS!” framework and Mid-Term Plan 2023–2026, JFA is dedicated to building a football ecosystem where “no one is left behind.”
Achieving a World-Record Solar Power Breakthrough at Signal Iduna Park
The organization prioritizes Environment, Human Rights, Health, Education, and Local Communities, leading nationwide programs in climate action, inclusivity, youth development, and resilient community engagement.
Just ahead of the summit, Borussia Dortmund announced a landmark sustainability achievement alongside energy partner RWE: the completion of 11,132 rooftop solar panels with a total capacity of over 5 megawatts (MWp) at Signal Iduna Park Stadium.
This breakthrough — officially certified as a world record — establishes BVB’s home ground as the most powerful stadium-integrated solar energy facility worldwide, set to reduce 1,700 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.
With an advanced energy storage system underway, Signal Iduna Park will soon be able to rely on clean power even during low-sun periods — exemplifying BVB’s ambition to set global benchmarks in sustainable stadium and event operations.
Mobilizing Global Partnerships for Scalable Impact
A high-level panel deepened the conversation, featuring:
Tomoi Kouchi, Head of East Asia, DFL
Daniel Jun, Group Vice President, WILO AMEA
Marieke Philippi, Head of Corporate Responsibility, BVB
Together, BVB and the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) — the governing body of the Bundesliga — are advancing bold and far-reaching initiatives across the full spectrum of sustainability pillars.
These include empowering underrepresented communities, accelerating youth pathways, fostering social integration, promoting diversity and equality, enhancing health and well-being, and strengthening environmental accountability throughout the football value chain.
Spearheading the Next Era of Sustainable Football
Borussia Dortmund’s long-standing partnership with BVB Champion Partner WILO, a global leader in smart and sustainable water solutions, further demonstrates how purpose-driven alliances can create tangible, scalable, and measurable impact. The two organizations are expanding access to clean and safe water, boosting resource efficiency and climate resilience, and empowering communities through sport-based education programs.
Across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, these collaborations reflect a shared commitment to responsible governance, environmental stewardship, and grassroots engagement — illustrating how football can drive meaningful change well beyond the stadium.
Joined onsite by BVB Legend Park Joo-ho, this Tokyo summit signals a new stage in Borussia Dortmund’s international sustainability strategy — one rooted in leadership, accountability, and global collaboration.
BVB will continue to champion the sustainable transformation of world football — leveraging its influence and partnerships to build a future where the sport not only thrives, but also drives positive change for society and the planet.
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Kristin Podewils
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kristin.podewils@sportfive.com
