Environmental Achievements at Croke Park

23 Feb 2010

The Cúl Green Environmental Management Group with ESB has been busy working within Croke Park and has delivered excellent results during 2009. Here is an overview of their achievements.

ISO14001

In May 2009 SGS Ireland awarded Croke Park Stadium ISO 14001 certification, which is the International Standard for Environmental Management. As part of the ISO standard Croke Park must maintain high standards and show continuous improvement. This involves six monthly audits to maintain certification and in October 2009 Croke Park successfully retained certification. The next audit is due to take place in May 2010.

Environmental Management System

The introduction of an Environmental Management system ensured that in 2009 Croke Park reduced its electricity usage by 12% and gas usage by 12.5%. This reduction was made possible by the installation of a Stadium–wide building management system (BMS). The BMS is designed to maximise energy efficiency. This is a computerised system for centrally managing and operating energy using systems within the Stadium. The day to day electricity consumption was reduced by using the BMS to control the lighting, electrical heating and air handling units according to the scheduled activities taking place within the Stadium. Passive Infared (PIR) lights were also introduced in some of the areas that are used on a daily basis. These lights detect motion and then activate a switch to turn on when required and off when no motion is detected after 15 minutes.

Energy Monitoring System

An Energy Monitoring System (EMS) was also introduced which ensures that the Stadium can monitor all gas, electricity and water usage and implement tighter controls in areas where usage is soaring.

Waste Management

In 2009 Croke Park also managed to divert 47.95% of the waste generated on site from landfill. The weight of this material would equate to the equivalent of 2,365,356 Sliotars. This is an increase of 26% in comparison to results from the same period in 2008. The increase in the tonnes of waste diverted from landfill in 2009 is due to the introduction of cardboard baling on site and composting of all food and grass. Recycling stations were placed on all floors in the Stadium and all staff and contractors received training. Patrons are also encouraged on event days to contribute to our waste management procedures.

Our processes in waste management continue to deliver, as evidenced by our receipt of the Repak Partnership award for 2009. The Repak partnership award is given to the business or organization that has achieved outstanding results in the areas of recycling and waste management.

Water Management

With the rollout of solenoid valves on urinals in public levels, this water saving enhancement allowed the stadium to save 312,000 litres of water on match days. The overall saving made from the introduction of these valves equates to approximately 166 swimming pools (25m).

2009 was a very successful year in Croke Park Stadium and we are hoping to make 2010 as successful if not more.

If you would like to play your part in making Croke Park carbon neutral please make a carbon saving pledge today.

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