The Greening of Thomond Park Stadium

Local Impacts of Refurbishing the Stadium: Economic impact on city for a Heineken Cup match = 3.5 million prior to refurbishment, now estimated = 10 million the millionth visitor will pass through the stadium stiles In 2010 direct expenditure as a result of events = 78 million into the local economy 800 people employed on match & concert days across all aspects of stadium management

Getting involved in LAPN Approach made June 2009 – very positive reaction, agreed immediately to participate Our regional emphasis on entertainment & leisure facilities across the region At the outset of the project the facilities budget for the stadium = 1.4m per annum – concern about rising costs Holistic approach: energy, waste, water, green supply chain, impacts on contractors, awareness raising for stadium users

Water Consumption & Conservation 40% of water needs achieved through rainwater harvesting & used primarily for pitch watering. Turn Off policy Annual water costs = 10k

Conservation measures as part of LAPN Insulation of pipes, improvement to plumbing Trial of waterless urinals – now stadium wide Tap Restrictors Water conservation in kitchen

Results Water costs reduced by 8k Non event days water consumption between 1.5 & 2 cubic metres (1.4 cu³ used by catering contractor) – Aviva stadium is using 80 cu³ on non event days Planning further rain water harvesting

Energy Consumption & Conservation Prior to involvement with LAPN had contacted SEAI as they had identified significant energy costs/concerns Adviser in place so additional advice from LAPN but direct monitoring carried out by SEAI

Energy achievements Refurbishment of generators – now using 50% less diesel than in 2009 Measurement of energy usage per attendee Purchasing green energy Switch off campaign: staff issued with fleeces to stay warm! Further discussion last week with SEAI on possible grant aid for CHP

Energy Measurement 2010 No of Attendees Electricity (KwH) KwH per attendee Gas (KwH) KwH per attendee Overall Savings in CO²53 tonnes CO²savings per individual attendee0.146kgs

Solid Waste Prevention 90% of waste compacted Segregation of cardboard & glass only Despair at waste volumes

Approach Taken

Waste Audit Results

Where waste was generated

Other Key Players Master Chef: training of casual bar & catering staff. All catering sub- contractors. Noonan Cleaning Services: All cleaning: onsite supervision, teams to improve segregation.

Waste Results 2010 RecyclingWasteRecycling Monthly percentages MonthKg's Jan % Feb % Mar % Apr % May % Jun % Jul % Aug % Sep % Oct % Nov % Dec % Totals Kgs per Attendee0.074kg0.068Kg Average Recycling Rate: 52.30%

Some further results: Compactor now removed from site Two events recently held had only recycling & organic waste arisings – no landfill waste Ongoing discussion with Diageo with a view to introducing a compostable cup for all alcoholic beverages sold on site – Thomond Park has offered to undertake pilot national trial this for this. Food Donation Programme with Masterchef & local hostel Contracts for catering & waste management due for renewal in 2012 – management intend including strict environmental criteria

Proud to be

Finally As Limerick is a 2011 European City of Sport, Limerick City Council & the RWMO are delighted to continue the LAPN project with other City Stadia including Páirc na NGael

Thanks for listening!