Featured image credit: Edgbaston
Yesterday’s (Sunday’s) T20 match between England and New Zealand at Edgbaston has been dubbed the first sustainable cricket game of its kind in the UK, as a number of green-focused initiatives were put in place.
The match, which New Zealand won by 74 runs, was earmarked as the ‘Go Green Game’ and was designed to raise sustainability awareness among fans and the wider community.
Over the past 12 months, Edgbaston has reduced waste by a third, operated kitchens on 80% locally sourced produce, rolled out a low-energy LED light project, and continued the use of e-cups.
For yesterday’s match, further initiatives were introduced to lower the carbon footprint of the stadim. Edgbaston’s waste management partner, Suez, delivered a buzz challenge, while Net Zero Now provided attendees with information around carbon, reducing emissions and saving money at home.
Stadium partner Drax also hosted a branded crazy golf stand in the exhibition hall. The game reflected sustainable biomass activity and its net-zero proposition.
Other initiatives saw West Midlands Air raise air quality awareness and promote the use of public transport, while Smoothie Bikes hosted challenges for fans to blend their smoothies by riding a bike. Two energy bikes were also placed pitchside for fans to generate power for the road sweeper that was used to clean the venue after the match.
Lydia Carrington, Edgbaston’s sustainability manager, told BBC Sport: “We want to be known for being a sustainable venue. We want people to think when they come here they are making a positive impact. Even if it is a big event, the impact they are having is a positive one.”
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