This September, Edgbaston Stadium will be hosting their first sustainable major match day at the England v New Zealand IT20 on 3 September 2023! The purpose of this initiative is to raise awareness amongst fans of sustainability issues and the venue’s green credentials that have developed over the past 12 months.
This will be the first sustainable cricket game in the UK, with efforts aiming to dramatically reduce emissions and the ground’s carbon footprint at this match, while raising awareness amongst fans and the wider community. Edgbaston aims to become the most sustainable cricket stadium in the UK, with the Club’s Sustainability Manager, Lydia Carrington commenting: “the stadium is committed on a path towards a Net Zero future”, aided by the game being used to communicate “the influence the sporting and event industry can have on sustainability and climate change”.
Key achievements experienced include:
Key achievements experienced include:- Running kitchens on 80% locally sourced produce
- Implementing a low-energy LED light project
- E-cups preventing over 3 million plastic alternatives being wasted since 2016
Edgbaston will be promoting all areas of sustainability, with 4 pillars being at the centre:
- Reducing Energy Usage – through a strategic partnership and working closely with their suppliers, they are identifying and delivering energy saving projects with the purpose of enabling a zero carbon, lower cost energy future.
- Recycling & Waste Management – their aim is to recycle as much as possible and operate a zero waste to landfill policy. They will eliminate single-use plastics, develop their waste segregation and give back to the local community.
- Reducing Carbon Footprint – Edgbaston are proud of their home in the heart of the West Midlands, and want to make sure that as much of the produce they use at Edgbaston is sourced from local, like-minded suppliers.
- Education, Health & Wellbeing – with the appointment of a dedicated Sustainability Manager, they are committed to creating an equal opportunity and fair treatment environment, where they can learn and grow together.
So, What’s Going Green?
Multiple elements of this event have been reviewed to contribute to the Go Green Game, and Edgbaston have worked closely with sustainability partners National Express West Midlands, Drax and Net Zero Now to make this all possible. Guest travel, food and drinks, products and energy and gas are key elements that have been reviewed to ensure the game is as green as possible.
Renewable energy
In order to make energy and gas consumption more efficient, Edgbaston has secured 100% renewable and local sources of solar, wind and hydro power to supply the stadium over preparation days, matchday and clean-up days for the IT20, along with LED lighting across the stadium to increase efficiency.
Waste
Waste and recycling are an integral part to this initiative and Edgbaston aim to reduce as much as possible. Recycling facilities will be made easily accessible including information to inform spectators throughout the stadium about their presence.
Food & Drink
Menus for this match day will feature increased vegetarian and vegan food options to lower the stadium’s carbon footprint and there will be no red meat served in hospitality areas. The Edgbaston garden will be a source for produce, contributing to the kitchens running on 80% locally sourced produce.
There will be no plastic bottles, instead water will be sold in cans, and water re-fill stations will be available so guests can bring re-fillable bottles. There will be Fairtrade coffee and tea, and sustainability data will be communicated on menus to increase transparency and increase awareness.
Travel
Guest travel is an important aspect of the game, with walking routes, cycle facilities, scooters, inclusive shuttle bus services and rail travel all being encouraged to use. The free 501 Shuttle Bus will run from New Street Station to the stadium and free travel on National Express West Midlands network buses will be available with your matchday ticket. An air quality project with University of Birmingham has also been carried out to monitor the impact of the game day, and a travel survey will be shared with guests to gain insights into their travel choice for the day.
Products & Goods
Paper used on-site will be made from seeds where possible and living walls will be an eye-catching feature, bringing the ‘Go Green Game’ to life.
Keith Prowse are excited to be a part of this innovative and game-changing fixture at Edgbaston, helping to contribute to a more sustainable event, paving the way for the industry. Edgbaston’s Go Green Game for the England v New Zealand IT20 is set to be a success and a great step in leading the way for future events. Explore our hospitality experiences for this exciting, ‘green’ fixture here.
