Published by Neil ThompsonEmirates Old Trafford has launched a new Eco Roof Garden as part of the continual development of the venue and as part of a sustainability pledge to operate the home of Lancashire Cricket as one of the most sustainable multi-purpose stadiums in the UK.
The new rooftop terrace forms part of the UA92 Players’ and Media Centre at Emirates Old Trafford and combines a new ecological habitat – with planters, living walls, bat boxes, a green house, garden kitchen, and solar panels – with a sun-drenched event space, ideal for evening receptions, quite areas at events, and relaxation zones.
The launch of the Eco Roof Garden coincides with the announcement of the businesses wider commitment to having a positive impact on the environment, improving the venue’s energy efficiency, reducing its carbon footprint, and inspiring others to take actions of their own.
A newly formed sustainability working group was created at the start of the year comprising of staff from departments across the business, including the men’s and women’s professional cricket squads, operational and Conference and Events teams. The group meet regularly to work on new initiatives around Emirates Old Trafford that can help the business meet its sustainability goals, aiming to deliver a sustainable, eco-friendly, and innovative venue for cricket, concerts, and hospitality events.
One of the group’s first initiatives saw six new trees and new beech hedges planted around the ground – to support a reduction in its carbon footprint as well as enhance the local environment. This saw the business collaborate with City of Trees MCR as part of their mission to plant three million trees, one for every person across Greater Manchester, in the next five years.
The venue also continues to use local food suppliers and locally sourced food, eco-friendly take away food containers while ensuring that food waste is composted. Catering staff are trained in sustainable food provision, to know what the food they are serving contains and where the ingredients come from.
A food bank has also been set up in the Pavilion Reception at Emirates Old Trafford in aid of supporting the work of charity The Bread and Butter Thing - an organisation based locally in Trafford Park and bring nutritious, affordable food to the centre of the UK’s most deprived communities.
“We are really pleased with the work our sustainability working group has been undertaking as we continue our sustainability journey that the venue is currently undertaking. Our Eco Roof Garden is a living embodiment of this mission, but also a stunning space where clients can demonstrate their own event’s commitments to sustainability."
Michael Hewson, Operations Director at Emirates Old Trafford
“It’s been great to be collaborating with a number of local charity initiatives such as City of Trees and The Bread and Butter Thing as we work together to reduce our environmental footprint, help to give some back to those in our community who are in need and hopefully we can also inspire other businesses in the local area to do the same.
“This is just the start of our sustainability journey, and we look forward to continuing to work on more projects in the months and years to come.”
