Edgbaston to Host its First-Ever Sustainable Cricket Match

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01 August 2023 | Updated 26 July 2023

Edgbaston Stadium will host its first sustainable international match day when England takes on New Zealand in the third Men's Vitality IT2 on Sunday 3 September.

The fixture will be the first sustainable game of its kind in UK cricket and will see a focus on cutting emissions across all scopes of the ground’s footprint.

The stadium has secured solar power with electricity coming from a 100 per cent local solar power supply to ensure preparation days, matchday and clean-up days for the IT20 are covered by renewable energy.

Over the past year, the stadium has reduced its waste by a third, running kitchens on 80 per cent locally sourced produce, rolling out a low-energy LED light project, and through the continued use of e-cups that’s prevented 562,000 plastic alternatives from being wasted.

It’s thought that such measures as inspired by the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 and Paris Olympics 2024.

For the upcoming Go Green Game, spectators are being encouraged to use public transport and there will be a free National Express West Midlands shuttle (number 501) from New Street station, plus extra cycle racks and provision for e-bikes and e-scooters.

Edgbaston’s Sustainability Manager Lydia Carrington said the stadium is committed on a path towards net-zero: “The aim of the Go Green Game is not only to reduce our emissions but to raise awareness amongst staff, spectators and our community of the influence the sporting and event industry can have on sustainability and climate change.

“There will be improved recycling facilities at the game, increased vegetarian and vegan food - including produce from Edgbaston's own allotment - plus we’re working with the ECB to minimize the environmental impact of players.

“We have our sustainability partners, Drax and National Express, providing renewable energy and public transport services, and are working with Net Zero Now to help us forecast the game’s carbon footprint, identify opportunities to reduce it, and then measure the actual footprint after the game and produce a report.  

“Data on everything from the number of meals and drinks served to floodlight usage, water consumption and every spectator’s travel to the stadium will be factored in.”

Picture: a photograph of the green at Edgbaston Stadium. Image Credit: Edgbaston Stadium

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 01 August 2023

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