England and New Zealand unite for Go Green Game

In the midst of battle, England and New Zealand will reunite at Edgbaston on Sunday.

The hosts, two nil up, will be looking to clinch the four IT20 series, but for Edgbaston, the stakes are slightly higher.

This fixture is our Go Green Game – our first sustainable Major Match. The day will raise sustainability awareness amongst fans and the wider community.

The sold-out match will certainly be under the spotlight, but the stadium is looking to change.

The stadium has underlined its green credentials in the last 12 months after reducing waste by a third, running kitchens on 80 per cent locally sourced produce, rolling out a low-energy LED light project, and continuing the use of e-cups that have prevented 562,000 plastic alternatives being wasted.

But initiatives being deployed for this match will further drive down emissions and the match’s carbon footprint, whilst aiming to raise sustainability awareness amongst fans and the wider community.

It’s 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 way a lot of brands and companies are doing sustainability is amazing,” said New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra.

“We see a lot of wastage at cricket grounds and I think the initiative that Edgbaston is coming up with is fantastic. I’m excited to see what comes of it.

“Any way a person can contribute to sustainability is better and it shows that if cricket can get it done then why not everyone else?”

There will be several activations around the ground on Sunday, to not only educate spectators but get them involved.

Suez – our waste management partner – will be running a buzz challenge, whilst Net Zero Now will be providing attendees with general information about carbon, reducing emissions and saving money at home.

Drax – a stadium partner- will host a branded crazy golf stand located in the Exhibition Hall where participants are invited to play to win a prize. The game reflects part of Drax’s activity – from sustainable biomass, through generation, their net zero proposition and ultimately, bioenergy carbon capture and storage.

West Midlands Air, meanwhile, will be raising air quality awareness and promoting the use of public transport.

Smoothie Bikes is hosting Smoothie Bike Challenges where attendees can pedal to power to blend their smoothies and if cycling is your thing then why not jump on an Energy Bike?

We’ll have two energy bikes pitch side, with attendees and guests cycling to generate power that will be used to power the road sweeper used to clean the venue after the match.

Chris Woakes and the Edgbaston staff have already had a go…

“It’s hard work, but incredibly rewarding,” said Woakes. “Sustainability is a huge part of our life and it’s great to see Edgbaston taking a lead and trying to make a change.

“I know the atmosphere and cricket will be first class, but I hope all supporters who attend will take something sustainable away from the day.”