Warwickshire award wins for sustainability and stadium welcome

Warwickshire CCC has won two Business of Cricket Awards (BOCAs) for its sustainability work and staging of a new legends tournament that reached a global audience of more than 300-million people.

The BOCAs – held last night (14 Nov) at Edgbaston stadium – celebrates the achievements of all First Class Counties across a range of categories including spectator experience, inclusion, and community engagement.

Warwickshire landed the Sustainability Award in recognition of its Edgbaston 4 Sustainability campaign to reduce waste and become more energy efficient.

More than a third of all waste at Edgbaston is now recycled (up from 15.8% in 2023) while the Club is the first in the country to introduce an all-electric fleet of grounds equipment, a move that’s saving seven tonnes of CO2 per year.

The Edgbaston 4 Sustainability strategy aims to see the ground be Net Zero by 2030.

Sustainability Manager Lydia Carrington, said: “We’ve taken significant steps towards resource conservation and waste elimination through our Edgbaston 4 Sustainability strategy which focuses on Energy Usage, Waste Management, Reduction of Carbon Footprint, and Education, Health & Wellbeing.

“This simple approach tackles sustainability holistically, benefiting our planet, people and community.”

And Edgbaston’s hosting of the inaugural World Championship of Legends (WCL) event saw Warwickshire named the Most Welcoming & Inclusive Stadium.

Almost 50,000 people attended Edgbaston for the July tournament which featured the likes of Bears legend Ian Bell, Australia’s Brett Lee and India’s Yuvraj Singh.

It was broadcast to 220-million people worldwide, with a social media reach topping 300-million, and attracted a diverse audience of families, local residents and schools.

Warwickshire Special Events Manager Ella Hogan, said: “The WCL was a ground-breaking event that celebrated legendary cricketers whilst fostering community engagement and cultural diversity, with 92 per cent of ticket purchasers being from diverse backgrounds.

“We’re looking forward to hosting it again next summer and building on the success of our first year.”

Warwickshire Chief Executive Stuart Cain, added: “It’s great that the team here at Edgbaston have been recognised again at the BOCAs.

“We work hard to win on and off the pitch, so it means a lot to those who make projects like this happen. It’s especially pleasing as the awards relate to our efforts in sustainability and making Edgbaston a safe and welcoming venue for all.”