ESB Independent Energy to supply renewable energy to Croke Park

Croke park will immediately cut its annual carbon emissions by twothirds following the signing of a 'green electricity' agreement with ESB Independent Energy (ESBIE) on Thursday, June 5th.

The switch to green electricity is Croke Park's first step in the joint 'Cúl Green' initiative launched last month by ESB and the GAA to make Croke Park one of the world's first carbon neutral stadiums (see June edition of EM).

The GAA agreement with ESBIE means that Croke Park will be able to cut its carbon emissions from 4,500 tonnes to approx 1,000 tonnes because the stadium will be powered with electricity that is 100 percent derived from renewable sources. As part of the agreement, ESBIE will supply over 7.5 million kilowatthours of electricity per annum – the equivalent of powering 1,200 homes. It involves supplying all the electricity needs of Croke Park from its special pitch-maintenance lighting, to its 140 meter-square stadium screen, its warm-up and changing facilities, its hospitality area and its various other power requirements.

Cúl Green sets ambitious environmental targets to dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of Ireland's most popular sporting venue over the next six years. The project involves not just electricity-related emissions but also the stadium's waste and water management systems.

A stringent energy audit by ESB is currently underway to establish how Croke Park can maximise energy efficiencies and reduce overall energy consumption. This detailed examination will be concluded before the All-Ireland finals in September. Michael McNicholas, Executive Director, ESBI, described the arrangement with Croke Park as highly significant. "ESB and Croke Park are partnering the development of a carbon neutral facility and this world-class sporting, conference and concert venue has sophisticated and unique power requirements," he said. "ESB is meeting its challenges from an environmentally-aware perspective and showcasing our expertise in this expanding area."

Croke Park Stadium Director, Peter McKenna said, "Croke Park and the GAA are delighted to partner ESB on this excellent initiative and much work has been done to date on moving towards achieving a carbon neutral stadium".

Cúl Green extends beyond the provision of electricity, water and waste at the stadium.

It is estimated that fans travelling to games in Croke Park produce carbon emissions of 15,000 tonnes a year. A new website www.culgreen.ie will be established by the end of July to allow fans to log on and access ways and means of reducing their carbon footprint.

Fans will also be able to log on to the new dedicated website and make energy-saving pledges that will help Croke Park reach its carbon-neutral targets.