It’s well known as the host of countless energetic performances from athletes, musicians and even fans, but the MCG was this week recognised for its achievements in a different realm of energy, taking out the award for Best Commercial Energy Efficiency Project at the National Energy Efficiency Awards.
Melbourne Cricket Club, stadium manager at the MCG, partnered with Siemens to deliver a raft of improvements to the stadium’s energy use after identifying energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions as a primary focus.The MCC and Siemens undertook an extensive upgrade of existing practices, as well as the installation of numerous new efficiency systems at the stadium.
Activities included replacing half the existing MCG lights with LED technologies, implementing a ‘smart’ air-conditioning system that adjusts output based on the number of people in a room, and installing an innovative building management system which allows the MCC to automate room bookings and functions- a first for a sports stadium in Australia.
The project results have exceeded expectations, and include:
• Saving10 million kWh– an energy saving which is the equivalent of powering 1872 houses for a year
• Reducing energy consumption at the MCG by 23.9 per cent
• Cutting Co2 equivalent carbon emissions at the stadium by 20,982 tonnes
The works were fully funded by the MCC at a total investment of more than $8 million, with the expected savings from the reduced energy consumption forecast to offset this cost by 2020.
“We are very pleased to receive this recognition from the Energy Efficiency Council,” said Peter Wearne, MCC General Manager - Facilities. “It is a fantastic endorsement by the industry that the upgrades undertaken by the MCC and Siemens throughout the stadium are at the forefront of best practice.”
“Our work with Siemens has significantly improved not only the efficiency of the MCG but also our environmental performance. The MCC has a strong belief in the importance of operating the MCG in an environmentally responsible manner.”
“Beyond this accolade we are proud of the continued improvement of our sustainability efforts at the stadium,” said Mr Wearne.
The MCC remains at the forefront of water conservation, with the innovative underground water recycling facility housed outside the ground providing secure, long-term sustainable water supply to the heritage-listed Yarra Park and MCG.
The MCC has also made considerable improvement in recycling activities at the stadium, with the venue now recycling around 85 per cent of waste produced during events – compared to just 10-15 per cent a decade ago.
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