Friday June 5 is World Environment Day, a global event designed to raise awareness and encourage people to take action on urgent environmental issues.
The Melbourne Cricket Club, as manager of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is committed to operating the iconic venue in a sustainable manner, and serving as a world leader when it comes to environmental performance.As a signatory to the United Nations Sports for Climate Change Action Framework, the Club is proud to work with sporting organisations across the globe to achieve climate change goals.
In the spirit of World Environment Day, we are proud to share five initiatives currently implemented at the MCG that not only support sustainability, but which can be brought to life on a smaller scale in our everyday lives:
1. Energy efficient upgrade to the iconic light towers
Thirty-five years since they were first installed, 2019 saw the iconic MCG light towers embark on their biggest change yet – with the traditional globes updated with energy efficient LED sports lights.Replacing 1200 metal halide lamps, the 950 LED lights not only improve the quality of light produced by the towers, but have a significantly better environmental footprint.
In addition to having a longer lifespan than the old globes - resulting in less need for replacement and therefore less waste - the LED lights are also 50 per cent more energy efficient, meaning the stadium requires less power overall to operate them.
Bring it to life at home: Upgrade any halogen lighting in your home to LED for environmental benefits and cost savings.
2. Phasing out single-use plastics
As part of the MCC’s commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible consumption, the Club has increased its efforts to phase out single-use plastics at the MCG.Plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery and plates are no longer found at the stadium, whilst soft plastic packaging is banned from giveaways and activations which take place on the external concourse.
In addition, in December 2019 the MCC partnered with health promotion foundation VicHealth to install 14 new water refill stations throughout the stadium to further encourage sustainable practices amongst patrons.
With 28 refill stations now located throughout the venue it is easier than ever for MCG attendees to avoid single-use plastic bottles – either by bringing their own drink bottle or refilling a plastic bottle multiple times.
For those items that are not yet able to be eliminated, the MCG operates a dedicated waste stream to ensure soft plastic items are recycled as opposed to ending up in landfill.
Bring it to life at home: Avoid plastic bags and single use plastics where possible; take a reusable bag when you go to the supermarket, and remember to pack a drink bottle for any trips out of the house.
3. Organic waste dehydrator
In 2018 the MCG became the first sports venue in the world to close the loop on organics recycling, with the installation of an innovative organics dehydrator.Organic material produced at the venue – from grass clippings to food waste – is treated via the in-house dehydrator and repurposed as a soil-food product which is used to improve the condition of the heritage-listed Yarra Park which surrounds the stadium, as well as provided to local farming sites.
In addition to the value that the soil additive provides the natural environment, the program delivers further sustainability benefits - from eliminating C02 emissions associated with transporting waste and taking pressure off local waste treatment, to reducing the greenhouse gases that would otherwise be produced by burying the organic material in landfill.
In 2019 175 tonnes of food and turf waste was recycled through the organics dehydrator, producing 31 tonnes of nutrient-dense soil additive.
Bring it to life at home: You can create a small compost bin for your home, or simply be mindful of food waste – try to only buy what you need and make use of leftovers.
4. Coffee Cup Recycling program
In October 2019, the MCC installed a number of Simply Cups recycling stations in both public and back of house areas of the stadium, to further minimise the amount of waste being sent to landfill.Melburnians are known to love their coffee, so it’s no surprise that in a busy month of events the MCG could go through more than 50,000 takeaway coffee cups.
While the MCC were already sending takeaway lids to be recycled, the Simply Cups collection points ensure the entirety of the cup is able to be repurposed into new products, such as outdoor furniture.
Across the summer of cricket thousands of cups were recycled through the initiative - a pleasing result for the Club and the environment.
Bring it to life at home: Use a reusable cup where possible.
5. Water saving thanks to big and small investments
One of the MCC’s first significant environmental investments was the installation of the Yarra Park water recycling facility in 2012, and it remains a cornerstone of the stadium’s water saving measures to this day.In 2018/19 the facility produced more than 155 million litres of recycled water which is used primarily as irrigation in Yarra Park and punt Road Oval, as well as for cleaning and toilet flushing at the MCG.
In addition to this largescale investment, the Club also implements countless smaller initiatives, from low flow taps and water-saving nozzles on hoses, to further improve the stadium’s environmental impact.
Bring it to life at home: Be mindful of your water use, from filling sinks and having showers to watering your garden.