Millennium Stadium Certified UKs First Sustainable Event Stadium
8 August 2011
The Millennium Stadium has successfully achieved certification by BSI to BS 8901 making it the UK's first certifiably sustainable event stadium
"The Millennium Stadium is leading the way in sustainability throughout the UK events industry and I am extremely proud to receive the British Standard," said Millennium Stadium general manager Gerry Toms.
Achieving BS 8901 is a major feat for Cardiff's iconic stadium, which was built in 1999 without many of the innovative design elements in new stadia. The certificate comes less than one year after the stadium bid to improve its sustainability credentials in line with the standard - which was launched in September 2010.
"To attain the standard ahead of any other UK venue is a fantastic achievement and this is especially impressive when you consider the size and structure of our building, which was built over a decade ago," said Toms.
Speaking about this success, environment minister, John Griffiths said: "Sustainable Development is all about making decisions that support the long term wellbeing of people and communities.
Stadium facilities manager Darren Crossman heads up the project which has introduced new ways to incur savings through reduction of waste, lower energy use and re-use of equipment and infrastructure.
"Sustainability is not just about being environmentally friendly it is the understanding that the way that we operate also has social and economic implications. As I like to put it, it is making sure that what we have today is here tomorrow," said Darren.
The stadium's unique palletised pitch system has played an important part, with rainwater harvesting below the grass beds, the re-use of root zone and the recycling of the 40mm rye grass turf in rugby clubs throughout South Wales such as Tondu RFC.
As well as the inbuilt design elements, sustainable operational initiatives are also important such as the promotion of public transport via the venue's stakeholders on event day.
The Millennium Stadium Community Events initiative hosts 15 events per year to allow local charitable and community organisations to use the venue free of hire charge.
"Sustainability is about much more than just being green," says Viki Bell, portfolio manager Sustainability at BSI. "Gaining certification to BS 8901 demonstrates that an organisation has taken into consideration its social and economic impacts such as community involvement and fair employment, is securing local investment and long term viability where possible as well as reducing carbon emissions and waste, as demonstrated by the Millennium Stadium."
Darrel Moore
