Fair & transparent governance
Our strategy
Good governance is not a bureaucratic exercise – it is the foundation of everything we do within the ArenA. Think of it as the rules of the game: everyone needs to know how we play, what counts as fair play and how the whistle is blown. Only with clear rules, transparent agreements and reliable data can we achieve our Net Positive goals.
In a world where social and environmental challenges are becoming increasingly urgent, careful, data-driven and clear decision-making is no longer a luxury – it is a requirement for moving forward.
“Good and transparent governance is essential for Johan Cruijff ArenA. As partners, we must be able to count on each other, together with our suppliers, and radiate confidence to our visitors. We show how we work and do what we promise.”
Han Mouton
Chief Finance Officer
Johan Cruijff ArenA
OUR GAME PLAN
FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE
Involving stakeholders
stronger together
We actively listen and engage in dialogue with colleagues, our Supervisory Board, partners and local residents to identify areas for improvement and take meaningful steps forward.
Sustainable collaboration & procurement
quality first
Our procurement has a direct impact on our social and environmental impact. We set clear requirements for suppliers: sustainability, social responsibility and compliance with our values. In this way, we embed our impact objectives in our daily work, together with the sustainability objectives of our partners.
Transparent in word and deed
playing an open hand
We communicate transparently about our impact on people and the environment. We are happy to share what is going well, and we are honest about where there is room for improvement. Transparency is a structural part of our working method, supported by reports from our suppliers.
Data first
facts over feelings
We believe in data to provide insight into what works and what can be improved. With data as a basis, we make informed choices, monitor progress and are transparent in our accountability. Structural insight into our performance enables us to make targeted adjustments and continuously improve.
Milestones
Good governance is not measured by attractive policy documents, but by concrete actions and tangible results. These milestones show how we are building, step by step, an organisation that does what it says it will do.
2023
Net Positive announcement
We made a drastic change of course. In May 2023, we announced our ambition: Net Positive by 2030. Not less damage, but more positive impact on society and the climate.
2023
Net Positive Team established
A multidisciplinary group of twelve colleagues from all departments. They take initiative, translate sustainability policy into practice and monitor whether we are on track. This combination of daily operations with a focus on sustainability gives colleagues the meaning they are looking for.
2023
Collaboration
with GSES
We entered into a partnership with GSES, a system that makes measuring sustainability performance easy and reliable for companies. Together, we are working on a standard that can be used to measure the sustainability of events.
2023
To measure is to know
During the Coldplay concert in July 2023, we measured and audited our sustainability performance for the first time. This led to follow-up measurements in Rome and Madrid under our supervision. We also measured Ajax-Brighton, Netherlands-Germany and other events.
2024
Double materiality analysis carried out
Together with stakeholders, we determined which sustainability themes really matter to us. Of 96 possible topics, seven remain that are materially important to the ArenA. This helps us to make data-driven decisions.
2024
Gap analysis
We mapped out what is still needed to realise our reporting ambitions. No grand tales, but concrete actions to raise the bar. The results of the gap analysis formed the basis for our reports. Initially, of course, to comply with the CRSD, but even now this input is still important for measuring progress and setting new goals.
2025
Acceleration Event
In February, we organised a meeting with stakeholders and partners on accelerating impact on various sustainability challenges. Because long-term change cannot be achieved alone – it takes teamwork.
2025
ArenA's first Impact Report
In this report, we show the steps we are taking in the area of environmental and social impact and where improvement is needed.
in
practice
spotlight
The power of collaboration
Living lab for sustainable innovation
Alone you can go so far, but together you can go further. Collaboration is in our DNA and we are happy to show how we continue to innovate with this approach.
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challenge
Staying on course while the rules of the game change
Just as you map out your strategy, the rules change. New legislation, different reporting frameworks, shifting thresholds. Navigating the maze of sustainability regulations requires flexibility and a clear compass. What are we currently facing?
read more
The next phase
We continue to invest in better data collection and reporting. In the coming season, we will develop KPIs for fair and transparent governance so that we can track our progress year on year and remain transparent to our partners, colleagues and visitors. Not because we have to, but because it helps us make better choices.
In addition, we are actively seeking new collaborations that increase our impact – from energy projects with the local community to sector-wide initiatives for sustainable events. By sharing our approach and insights, we want to inspire others to join us. We are open about our progress and challenges, hoping to start a movement in which companies strengthen each other rather than compete.
“At the Tours department, we believe it is very important that everyone has the opportunity to work with us. Through our collaboration with Social Capital, we offer people who are distanced from the labour market the opportunity to develop themselves further and be valuable to our company. Personally, I think it's great to see how Social Capital employees are making their mark within our team and have become part of our beautiful stadium.”
Martijn Maurice
Manager Tours
Johan Cruijff ArenA
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Next page
looking ahead
Transparent reporting is one thing, continuing to innovate is another. Read what the next round of matches has in store for us.
The power of
collaboration
Living lab for sustainable innovation
The ArenA is a compact organisation – which is precisely why we choose partners who take innovation and sustainability as seriously as we do. Because progress is achieved through good teamwork. We offer our ArenA as a “living lab” where sustainable innovations are tested and developed into proven concepts. This way, we all benefit from each other's inventions and accelerate positive developments.
Innovation that really works
This approach has already led to exciting innovations in various areas.
Pioneering with our first mega battery
In 2018, together with Eaton, Nissan, BAM, The Mobility House, supported by the Amsterdam Climate and Energy Fund (AKEF) and Interreg, we realised the first commercial mega battery, here in the basement of the ArenA. For us, this means smart energy management and lower energy costs.
At the same time, the battery contributes to network stabilisation. Our power grid is under pressure due to the growth of solar panels, electric vehicles and data centres. The battery absorbs peak loads – during cold winter evenings when millions of households demand energy at the same time. This keeps the power grid reliable for everyone. This collaboration demonstrated that sustainable innovation, commercial benefits and social value go hand in hand.
Grass dashboard as industry standard
We have also developed innovations in grass management through broad collaboration within the chain, from growers to our own grass team. With sensors under the turf and on the roof, a high-tech measurement and monitoring system displays the condition of the turf 24 hours a day in an online dashboard. The system determines exactly how much light, water and nutrition each blade of grass needs. After further development, this unique dashboard was sold to the KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association) and is now used by all premier league clubs. From local solution to industry standard – this is how we create maximum impact.
Collaboration in and beyond the industry
We look beyond our own square metres and collaborate with shareholders Ajax and the City of Amsterdam, but also much more broadly: partners, suppliers, other event venues, start-ups and students. A good example of this broad collaboration is our leading role within the European trade association for stadiums: the European Stadium & Safety Management Association, or ESSMA. Together with Atlético Madrid, Juventus, Croke Park, Stockholm Live and Strawberry Arena, we form a group of frontrunners who share knowledge, exchange best practices and work together to organise events in a sustainable manner.
De ArenA also participates in various cross-sector networks where we regularly share our Net Positive story.
- Green Business Club Amsterdam-Zuidoost – an impact organisation that brings together companies, knowledge institutions and the municipality around sustainable projects.
- Global Sustainable Sport Alliance – global knowledge sharing on sustainability within the sports sector.
- Leaders Club – cross-sector innovation and knowledge sharing in the sports world for executives.
Collaboration is in our DNA – and that is why we can continue to innovate. By working together, we create solutions that benefit not only us, but the entire sector and society.
Collaboration is in our DNA
By working together, we create solutions that benefit not only us, but the entire sector and society.
Staying on course while
the rules of the game change
Sustainability legislation is evolving rapidly. European and national governments are tightening rules to combat greenwashing and accelerate concrete action by companies and individuals. We welcome this! Stricter rules ensure a fairer market, better comparability between organisations and real progress on issues such as reporting obligations, circularity and the elimination of single-use plastics.
But let's be honest: keeping up is not easy. The amount of new regulations is piling up, their interpretation is complex and different frameworks sometimes contradict each other. For us, this means constantly anticipating, adapting processes and staying alert to new obligations and relaxations.
CSRD: from obligation tovoluntary choice?
A recent example? The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This European directive would initially also apply to us. The proposed Omnibus Regulation may change the playing field: only organisations with more than 1,000 employees and above certain financial thresholds will remain subject to reporting requirements.
If this change is approved, we will no longer be subject to the formal obligation. Does this mean we will stop reporting? Absolutely not.
New laws, same ambition
Even without a legal obligation, we will remain fully transparent about our sustainability performance. We voluntarily report on our key KPIs and continue to strive for measurable, positive impact. We now comply with the VSME guidelines, a voluntary European standard for sustainability reporting for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Changing legislation challenges us to remain flexible. But our course is set: to make progress for people and the environment, with or without regulatory pressure.