10 years not out: Green Economy lays foundation for ECB decarbonisation
Posted by: electime 17th September 2025
A partnership going back to 2015 laid the groundwork for a widespread sustainability drive at all levels of English and Welsh cricket.
- Green Economy (formerly Enworks) was commissioned to lead a comprehensive review and strategy development for ECB in 2015.
- The work led to the development of a framework for ECB to understand its Scope 1 and 2 emissions and identify areas for sustainable improvements.
- This initial review and strategy proved to be an invaluable starting point for every professional cricket club in England and Wales.
- Green Economy’s work led to a pilot project at Lancashire County Cricket Club and the creation of a successful carbon reduction plan.
A national blueprint for decarbonising sports venues has been set through Green Economy’s work with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Sustainability consultancy, Green Economy, part of the Growth Company, designed a sustainability roadmap for stadiums and club facilities across England and Wales, leading to changing behaviours and reductions in carbon emissions.
Commissioned in 2015, Green Economy was tasked by the ECB, the governing body for professional and recreational cricket, to develop a cohesive, environmental strategy to establish a national position on sustainability.
It was of increasing importance for the game to take positive action, while also enabling venues to compete in the lucrative hospitality market.
Bruce Cruse, Director of Facilities & Infrastructure, ECB said:
“The work we commissioned Green Economy to deliver has been fundamental to establishing our environmental strategy, whilst providing practical tools for venues to use.”
To establish a base level of green credentials, Green Economy visited all professional cricket venues to assess existing energy use, resource efficiency and operational challenges at both large and small venues.
The resulting strategy enabled consistent reporting and informed decision-making. It was also scalable to support clubs of all sizes in starting or accelerating their sustainability journey, whilst demonstrating return on investment to prioritise action.
Green Economy’s work equipped decision-makers with the tools, data, and confidence to act, and aligning funding with action plans.
Cruse added: “Clubs across the country now have a clear roadmap, with many accessing funding and support based on the strategy’s recommendations and the development of their own plan.”
Green Economy piloted its work at Lancashire County Cricket Club, providing enhanced one-to-one support to build a comprehensive carbon-reduction plan which led to Solar PV installation across the site.
Part of The Growth Company, Green Economy provides expert support to help businesses, organisations and regions accelerate net zero, whilst growing the local green supply chain – delivering an equitable transition to net zero for all.
Amy House, Director, Green Economy said:
“The ECB’s commitment to a sustainability roadmap has set a precedent for sports venues nationwide. We’re proud to have been able to help the ECB begin its journey, which has continued evolving over the last ten years.
“By working closely with clubs, we were able to design tools and frameworks that not only reduce emissions but also make robust business sense, lessons that apply far beyond cricket.”
Find out more about Green Economy’s sustainability and net zero services by visiting their website.
https://www.greeneconomy.co.uk/business-support/decarbonise/consultancy/
