Reduce plastic litter from outdoor artificial turf pitches

Rubber granulate from outdoor artificial turf pitches results in an annual microplastic emission of approximately 1500 tonnes. Fortunately, there are effective solutions to prevent this. In collaboration with the Norwegian Football Federation, the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund will support the construction of physical barriers around artificial turf pitches to reduce microplastic emissions.

Who can apply?

Both clubs and municipalities that own facilities can apply for support. Clubs that do not own facilities themselves may still apply but must have a written cooperation agreement with the facility owner (link to template).

• • Framework of the call: 40 million NOK.
  • Duration of the project: Applications with measures implemented during 2025 are prioritised, but the final deadline for completion is by the end of 2026.
  • Requirement for other funding: Sufficient financing must be secured to implement the other measures that the regulations require during the contract period.
  • Application processing: Applications are assessed on a rolling basis according to the “first come, first served” principle.

• The funding from the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund shall be used for the following measures:

  1. Physical barrier: A physical barrier shall be established around the entire sports field to prevent the spread of plastic-containing loose infill material beyond the field. At least 20 cm of the barrier's height, measured from the ground, must be solid, in accordance with § 23A-4 a of the Pollution Regulations.
  2. Rubber list: A rubber list shall be installed at the bottom of the barrier (not applicable to concrete structures or ring walls).

  Barriers that are higher than the minimum requirement provide greater environmental impact, and therefore, it is possible to apply for additional funding to construct a solid barrier that is 40 cm or higher.

  Note: Wooden barriers are not supported. Experience shows that wooden barriers are less effective against granulate loss than barriers made of other materials, and therefore have a reduced environmental impact.
  

• The applicant is the project owner and may include other entities as partners. Allocated funds are only disbursed to the project owner, who is responsible for further payments to any subcontractors and for reporting to the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund.

  Reporting Requirements

  A final report must be submitted upon project completion, including:

  • Project accounts for the entire project period
  • Photos of the implemented measures
  • Invoice from the contractor

  Grant Allocations and Value Added Tax (VAT)

  The support from the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund covers any taxes, including VAT, and is allocated as a gift. The Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund generally considers grants as non-VAT liable, but the recipient must assess their own VAT liability under current regulations. The Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund cannot be invoiced for additional costs if the applicant misinterprets VAT rules. It is recommended to consult your own auditor about any potential VAT liability.

• • Applications are processed on an "first come, first served" basis
  • Response to the application is provided within three weeks
  • Assessment is carried out by the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund and the Norwegian Football Federation

  The Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund wishes to support projects in all counties and reserves the right to prioritise applications based on geographical location, if necessary.

  The processing of applications follows strict rules for impartiality and confidentiality. Read the declarations here.
  

• Are you writing a final report for the call for applications from 2024? See here.

• • 11-a-side pitches:Up to NOK 300,000 for an impermeable barrier at least 20 cm highUp to NOK 350,000 for an impermeable barrier 40 cm or higher
  • Up to NOK 300,000 for an impermeable barrier at least 20 cm high
  • Up to NOK 350,000 for an impermeable barrier 40 cm or higher
  • 9-a-side pitches: Up to NOK 150,000
  • 7-a-side pitches: Up to NOK 100,000

  All costs must be documented with an invoice from the supplier or contractor. Voluntary work ("dugnad") does not qualify for funding.

  A facility owner can receive funding for a maximum of five facilities. Any funding received in 2024 will be included in this calculation. Facilities that have previously received funding are not eligible for new funding. One application must be submitted per facility.
  

• • Measures implemented before the grant allocation date
  • Other measures than physical barriers around the pitch
  • Barriers if the artificial turf pitch has infill that does not contain plastic/rubber
  • Barriers made of wood
  • More than five installations per installation owner
  • Installations that already received funding in 2024

• • The artificial turf pitch must have been built before 1 July 2021 and not rehabilitated after 1 July 2021
  • The measures (guide) in the pollution regulations § 23A-4, letters b and c, must be fulfilled or fulfilled before the final report is submitted. This includes:Solutions for handling drainage and stormwater that collect dissolved plastic-containing infill material, so that it does not spread outside the pitch.Measures that prevent the spread of loose plastic-containing infill material via users, maintenance machinery, or other equipment used during maintenance and snow removal.
  • Solutions for handling drainage and stormwater that collect dissolved plastic-containing infill material, so that it does not spread outside the pitch.
  • Measures that prevent the spread of loose plastic-containing infill material via users, maintenance machinery, or other equipment used during maintenance and snow removal.
  • The project must be completed by the end of 2026
  • Both before and after pictures must be attached to the application and final report
  • The applicant must have an organisation number and be registered in the Brønnøysund Register Centre
  • The business and contact persons must be registered in the project portal
  • Application must be submitted through the project portal
  • Estimated budget for the work must be provided, preferably documented with an offer
  • The application must be in Norwegian or English
  • Any previous agreements with the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund must be complied with

  Visibility requirements of support

  Facilities receiving support from the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund will be sent two signs to be visibly mounted on the pitch. The signs must be in place before the project is reported as completed.

• Perhaps you will find the answer here:

  • Guidance for applicants
  • Guidance for grant recipients

  Questions about eApply?
  Contact Borghild Storaas at borghild@handelensmiljofond.no
  
  Questions about the call for applications?
  Contact Terje Eckhoff at terje@handelensmiljofond.no                                                           Cecilie Wollebæk at  cwollebaek@handelensmiljofond.no