Powering Ahead with Electric Vehicle Charging
As the world embraces a greener, more sustainable future, rugby clubs across the globe are leading by example. Aberdeenshire RFC is one such club that has taken significant strides to reduce its environmental impact, thanks to a recent partnership with Pozitive Energy (PE).
Through this collaboration, Aberdeenshire RFC has installed electric vehicle (EV) chargers on its premises, making it more accessible to environmentally conscious visitors and promoting sustainability throughout the community. “This eco-friendly addition supports the increasing demand for electric vehicle charging in the community and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to sustainability,” explains Richard Ordidge, the club’s long-serving Chairman.
The installation of EV chargers aligns perfectly with Aberdeenshire RFC’s mission to foster a thriving community space while embracing sustainable practices. “Sustainable infrastructure like EV chargers is quickly becoming a necessity, and we’re proud to be setting an example for other local organizations and businesses to follow,” Ordidge adds.
By partnering with PE, Aberdeenshire RFC has been able to offer tap-and-go EV chargers with no upfront costs for groundworks or installation. This seamless solution not only benefits club members but also attracts new visitors who come to the club specifically to charge their vehicles.
“The simplicity of our EV charging system encourages more people to switch to electric vehicles, knowing that charging is accessible and straightforward,” says Claire Archbold, PE’s spokesperson. “For Aberdeenshire RFC, the benefits are clear: reduced environmental impact, enhanced community engagement, and a forward-thinking approach to sustainability.”
Turf Innovations: Saving Water and Reducing Carbon Footprint
While EV charging stations are making waves in the rugby community, another area where clubs are embracing sustainability is in the development and maintenance of their playing fields. The Fédération Internationale de Hockey (FIH), the global governing body for hockey, has partnered with Polytan, a leading sports surface manufacturer, to create innovative, eco-friendly hockey turfs that are redefining the industry.
“Supporting the FIH’s sustainability goals aligns with our business investment focus on reduced carbon, second life, and renewable and recycled products,” explains Paul Kamphuis, Sport Group’s Head of Hockey. “Having achieved a 40% reduction in water use from London 2012 to Tokyo 2020, we raised the bar again for Paris on both water consumption and carbon saving.”
The partnership between the FIH and Polytan has led to the development of the Poligras Paris GT Zero, the world’s first carbon-neutral hockey turf. This revolutionary playing surface uses Turf Glide technology to drastically reduce water usage, while being made from 80% renewable sugarcane materials and produced with green energy.
“The carbon-zero turfs in Eindhoven are part of a long-term commitment to hockey which started with the first Olympic synthetic turf in Montreal in 1976,” says Fred van Wijk of Polytan Europe. “Hockey has evolved since then into the fast-paced, dynamic 3D game we know and love today. It has been our role to evolve and innovate with it, and this latest turf being adopted by progressive clubs like Eindhoven is an important step in sustaining the sport for the future.”
The impact of these water-saving and carbon-neutral turfs is already being felt across Europe, with clubs like Lille and Racing Club de France embracing the Poligras Paris GT Zero and ensuring a sustainable legacy for the sport.
Harnessing Data and Technology for Sustainability
Sustainability in rugby is not just about physical infrastructure; it also extends to the use of data and technology to drive meaningful change. New Zealand Rugby, a global powerhouse in the sport, has partnered with technology leader SAP to tackle the challenge of environmental sustainability head-on.
“Combining national passion with environmental responsibility sets a new standard for sports sustainability,” explains Ben Corser, SAP’s Global Chief Revenue Officer. “New Zealand Rugby is using cutting-edge solutions to analyze their environmental impact on and off the field, ensuring a better future for the game and the planet.”
By leveraging SAP’s innovative data analytics and monitoring tools, New Zealand Rugby is gaining a comprehensive understanding of its carbon footprint, from stadium operations to player travel and merchandise. This data-driven approach allows the organization to identify areas for improvement and prioritize sustainability efforts, ultimately reducing waste, lowering emissions, and conserving resources.
“Excellence in sports and sustainability can go hand-in-hand,” Corser adds. “New Zealand Rugby’s commitment to preserving their ‘Taonga’ (treasure) for future generations is a testament to the transformative power of technology and the passion for environmental stewardship.”
Fostering Sustainable Mindsets Through Community Engagement
While technological solutions and infrastructure improvements are crucial, rugby clubs are also recognizing the importance of engaging their communities in the sustainability journey. Aberdeenshire RFC, for example, has made a concerted effort to educate its players, staff, and fans on the importance of environmental responsibility.
“Sustainability is not just about the physical changes we make to our club,” explains Richard Ordidge. “It’s also about fostering a mindset shift and encouraging everyone associated with Aberdeenshire RFC to embrace sustainable practices in their daily lives.”
The club has implemented comprehensive recycling and waste management programs, encouraging players and spectators to properly sort and dispose of their waste. Additionally, Aberdeenshire RFC has organized educational workshops and awareness campaigns to help the community understand the broader impact of their actions and the role they can play in creating a greener future.
“By engaging our stakeholders, we’re not only reducing our own environmental footprint but also inspiring others to make sustainable choices,” Ordidge says. “It’s about creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the boundaries of our club.”
Embracing Sustainable Practices for the Future of Rugby
As rugby clubs around the world continue to navigate the challenges of environmental sustainability, a clear pattern emerges: a holistic approach that combines innovative technologies, sustainable infrastructure, and community engagement is the key to driving meaningful change.
Aberdeenshire RFC’s partnership with PE, the FIH’s collaboration with Polytan, and New Zealand Rugby’s work with SAP demonstrate the power of cross-sector collaboration and the potential for sports organizations to be at the forefront of the sustainability movement.
“Sustainability is not just a box to be ticked; it’s a fundamental shift in the way we approach the game we love,” reflects Richard Ordidge. “By embracing sustainable practices, rugby clubs can not only reduce their environmental impact but also inspire others to follow suit, ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for the sport and our planet.”
As the world grapples with the urgent need for environmental action, the rugby community is rising to the challenge, leading by example and demonstrating that true excellence in sport can be achieved hand-in-hand with responsible environmental stewardship.