Arsenal powers stadium and fans’ homes with solar

Arsenal has teamed up with solar power firm Octopus Energy to power its stadium and fans’ homes with renewable energy. 

London-based Octopus is the UK’s largest investor in solar, responsible for 40 per cent of Britain’s large scale solar power and more than 220 solar projects.

The partnership will be instrumental in the club reaching its sustainability targets, and has already enabled the transfer of the over 60,000 seat Emirates Stadium and all the clubs training facilities to 100 per cent renewable energy, according to Michael Lloyd, Deputy Stadium Manager at Arsenal.

Since being launched to consumers in April 2016, Octopus Energy has signed up more than 40,000 energy accounts and with its new collaboration with Arsenal this is set to increase considerably.

As part of the agreement, Arsenal supporters in the UK will soon be able to benefit from a new tariff providing them with the same renewable electricity that will power Emirates Stadium.

In addition to cheaper energy bills, fans will also be offered a range of club-related benefits including the chance to win official signed merchandise and VIP stadium tours.

Vinai Venkatesham, Arsenal’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Octopus Energy, who become our first official energy partner. This partnership with Octopus is a positive step towards improving our contribution to environmental sustainability. We will be working closely with them to develop renewable power supplies, as well as providing special offers for Arsenal fans in the UK. We look forward to supporting Octopus Energy in the growth of their business.”

Greg Jackson, Founder of Octopus Energy, said: “Becoming Arsenal’s first energy partner is a massive step for us in championing greener, fairer energy for Britain. We are thrilled to be working with the club to switch Emirates Stadium to green energy. We are passionate that greener energy is critical to the future of our planet, and for many people can be cheaper than with big energy companies. Arsenal and Octopus are both leaders in their fields, and we look forward to working closely together to take this message to their fans and the wider football audience.”

Speaking at the recent Sustainable Innovation in Sport Forum, Michael Lloyd spoke on how sustainability can mean both financial strength and environmental performance.

The club’s use of LED lighting has resulted in savings of almost a quarter and its new food waste initiative has also seen falls in costs. 

On average the club are currently recycling over 10 tonnes of cardboard and plastic per month and 1.5 tonnes of glass per match which would previously have been sent to landfill.

You can watch all the action from the event, including Michael’s presentation, here.

 

Source:  www.arsenal.com