Lord’s Cricket Ground has become the first purpose-built cricket stadium in Britain to run on 100 per cent renewable energy.
As part of the sustainability strategy devised by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) – the owner of Lord’s – the ground has met its 2020 emissions target already and reduced its electricity consumption by seven per cent since 2010.
The ground’s new Warner Stand – which will be complete in April 2017 – will add weight to its sustainability credentials.
Designed by Populous, the stand will include photovoltaic roof panels for electricity generation and a water collection and recycling system.
Derek Brewer, MCC chief executive and secretary, said it was “important all organisations embrace sustainability” and that he was pleased Lord’s was setting the agenda in the UK.
The drive is part of a wider campaign to increase awareness about climate change, which has caused extreme weather patterns disrupting cricket.
Weather linked to climate change has caused more than £3.5m (US$4.3m, €4.1m) of damage to 57 cricket clubs, according to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
The ECB also had to fork out £1m (US$1.2m, €1.2m) in emergency funding to flood-hit clubs in 2016, with £1.6m (US$2m, €1.9m) set aside for 2017.
“The ECB deserves a lot of praise for the support it gives clubs across the country that are so badly affected by extreme weather.” added Brewer.
