Welsh stadium wins race to BS 8901

The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff has become the first stadium in the UK to become certified against the British sustainable events standard

The arena, which can hold almost 75,000 spectators, hosts international sporting events and concerts, and will be one of the venues for the London 2012 Olympics.

“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 the stadium’s general manager Gerry Toms.

“Sustainability has brought its challenges but with a lot of hard work we have proved that we can run our business more efficiently and build for the future.”

Welsh environment minister John Griffiths said he was delighted the stadium had been recognised for its sustainability efforts.
“The success of the Millennium Stadium reflects the Welsh government's own commitment to sustainable development as Wales is one of only three countries in the world with a statutory duty to promote sustainable development.

“I hope that other organisations in Wales will be inspired by the Millennium Stadium's efforts to operate more sustainably and will be encouraged by the business benefits that sustainability invariably delivers.”

The stadium is a signatory of the Welsh Assembly government's Sustainable Development Charter, an initiative that encourages organisations across Wales to put sustainable development at the heart of their work, and launched a project to achieve BS 8901 in September 2010.

In its bid to become more sustainable, the stadium has introduced a variety of initiatives to cut waste and lower energy use, including recycling the turf from its pitch by donating it to rugby clubs across south Wales.

The stadium boasts new technology, such as LED lighting, infrared controls in the toilets to prevent water waste and new methods of water heating that allow the venue’s boilers to be shutdown in the summer. It has also taken an active role in promoting the use of public transport to spectators and allows local charities and community organisations to host 15 events each year at the venue for free.

“Sustainability is about much more than just being green,” said Viki Bell, sustainability portfolio manager at BSI, which assessed the Millennium Stadium against the sustainable events standard.

“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.”