The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), custodians of the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, has announced a significant stride in its ambitious journey towards net-zero carbon emissions, confirming the extension of its highly successful partnership with sustainable water supplier, Re:Water.
This renewed collaboration, set to run until December 2027, solidifies Lord’s position as a leader in environmental stewardship within the global sporting arena.
The pioneering partnership, initiated in 2023, has already delivered remarkable environmental improvements at the “Home of Cricket.” A cornerstone of the alliance is Re:Water’s exclusive provision of still and sparkling spring water in bottles crafted from 100% recycled aluminium. These innovative bottles, meticulously sourced and packaged at their origin in Herefordshire, offer a lightweight, durable, and infinitely recyclable alternative, dramatically reducing the environmental footprint of hydration at the ground.
A pivotal achievement of the initial phase has been a dramatic surge in MCC’s recycling rates, which have soared from a modest 15% to an impressive 55%. This substantial increase underscores the efficacy of transitioning away from problematic single-use plastics. In a truly groundbreaking move for the sports industry, Lord’s Cricket Ground will now eliminate the sale of single-use plastic water bottles across its entire premises, setting a powerful precedent for venues worldwide.
Further championing sustainable practices among its hundreds of thousands of annual visitors, Lord’s has strategically installed 30 state-of-the-art water refill stations throughout the ground. This forward-thinking initiative empowers spectators to effortlessly replenish their reusable Re:Water bottles, actively fostering a circular economy approach to hydration and minimizing waste.
Andy Muggleton, MCC Commercial Director, emphasized the strategic alignment of the partnership and said, “Sustainability has been a priority at Lord’s for some time, which is why it was a straightforward decision to extend our successful partnership with Re:Water.
“Re:Water is a company that is aligned with our values, and since partnering, has helped us to reduce waste as we continue on the path towards becoming a net-zero carbon Club.”
Since its inception in 2019, Re:Water has been at the forefront of the sustainable packaging revolution, contributing to the removal of over 100 tonnes of plastic from UK shelves. The company’s robust environmental credentials are further highlighted by its role in supplying water for prestigious global sustainability events, including the G7 Summit in Cornwall and COP26 in Glasgow in 2021.
This extended partnership between the MCC and Re:Water stands as a powerful testament to both organizations’ unwavering dedication to environmental responsibility. It not only elevates the benchmark for sustainability within the dynamic sports and events sector but also powerfully exemplifies how strategic, values-driven collaborations can catalyze significant progress towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
The announcement comes as cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the third Test match of the gripping Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, currently tied at one win apiece, which commences today at the hallowed grounds of Lord’s.
