Edgbaston has reinforced its commitment to becoming the most sustainable cricket stadium in the UK in 2021 through three primary areas:
- Eliminate single use plastics
- Increase recycling
- Reduce carbon footprint
In 2016 Edgbaston became one of the first venues to introduce reusable ‘e’ cups for serving drinks around the ground on match days, which have saved on an estimated 500,000 single use plastic units from going to landfill in 2021. Additionally all match day food packaging is compostable.
As much waste as possible is recycled and in 2021 a partnership was developed with TerraCycle to recycle all confectionary waste, including coffee pods, snack packets, and wrappers.
Edgbaston operates a zero waste to landfill policy and anything that cannot be recycled is burned to create refuse-derived fuel through our waste management partners, Suez.
Waste savings go way beyond packaging though. Warwickshire players wear a kit that is made from a bamboo mix material for all limited overs cricket, which was designed by PlayLayer.
In addition to reducing waste and recycling, the venue works closely to identify ways of reducing the overall carbon footprint.
Edgbaston has been powered by 100 per cent by renewable energy through Haven Power since 2018, but it is constantly looking at processes that reduce consumption. LED lightning being installed in parts of the stadium, which delivers a 40 per cent reduction on energy usage from the previous fluorescent fittings.
Cycle racks are available for storage outside of the stadium, with 90 per cent of match day staff travelling to work through bike, foot or public transport. Additionally, 95 per cent of food is handmade on-site to significantly reduce the amount of food miles.
“All staff are committed to making a difference to our sustainability goals at Edgbaston,” said Operations Director Claire Daniel.
“We’ve made good progress over the last five years and continue to introduce new projects. TerraCycle is a great example for 2021, which has enabled us to cut out used wrapped, packets and pods from our waste collections and instead be recycled through a central scheme.
“Simple projects like e-Cups also continue to make a big impact in reducing waste and can easily be implemented at any venue. We have been using these across our stadium bars since 2016 and the waste savings are substantial.
“We want Edgbaston to be the most sustainable cricket venue in the UK, but we cannot rest on our laurels. Our team is regularly identifying new projects that can make a difference and we plan to announce several very exciting projects in 2022.”
