Edgbaston’s ‘Go Green Game’ Greener Than Hoped

Great strides for sustainability in cricket…

The numbers are now in from Edgbaston's "Go Green Game"; a T20 played last September between England and New Zealand. According to the audit by Net Zero Now,  the game emitted an impressive 33.7 per cent less carbon than a comparable match day in 2022 – reduced from a projected 494 tonnes of CO2 (before any reduction activity) to 327.79 tonnes – more than the club was hoping for.  

The numbers include everything from spectator travel, food, drink and merchandise bought, energy usage immediately before, during and after the game and pitch maintenance.  

Fans were encouraged to travel from Birmingham New Street by free shuttle bus, the groundstaff used electric mowers and rollers, power was sourced purely from wind, hydro and solar, and no red meat was served.   

“The program was a success in its achievement of emissions reductions beyond the target 25 per cent and represents a significant step forward in climate impact management at sports venues,” said Simon Heppner, Net Zero Now founder. 

 “By reporting transparently on the process, it is hoped the Go Green Game can stimulate a discussion about development of a consistent sector methodology and encourage greater sector engagement and accelerated action.” 

All showing what can be done with a little bit of vision. Though Edgbaston might like to think about getting rid of their sponsor, Drax, who import virgin wood from North America to burn in their British power station.

Tanya Aldred