World First at Croke Park!

18 Jun 2010

Croke Park has recorded a global first by becoming the world’s first stadium to receive the coveted BS 8901 certificate making it one of the most sustainable sporting arenas anywhere.

The headquarters of the GAA is now recognised as an example of best practice in the field of sustainability and will be an example for other stadiums to follow. Key aspects of the venue’s management system were deemed to be of such a standard as to allow it to become the first stadium to be certified. The stadium will now be used as a case study as part of efforts to ensure that the 2012 London Olympics are the first fully sustainable games ever held.

The GAA’s Director General Páraic Duffy lauded all involved in making this happen.

He said: “The award comes as a major boost to the GAA and everyone who works in Croke Park. Since the redevelopment of the stadium back in the 1990s we have strived to create the best facility possible while at the same time acknowledging our responsibility to the environment and to other areas far beyond the remit of sport.

“This honour showcases Croke Park as being amongst the elite venues globally and validates the special efforts made. We have always known that Croke Park is a special stadium and this accolade re-affirms it.”

Stadium Director Peter McKenna added: "We decided from the beginning of the process that there could be no half measures when it came to sustainable development – it was going to be the way we managed all our processes at Croke Park. From our organisational principles right through all our operational activities and those of our contractors, sustainability is now the key pillar in the way we manage our business."

Following on from its achievement last year in achieving the international environmental management standard, ISO14004, Croke Park has once again raised the bar and this time on a global field. The certification acknowledges excellence in event management and is audited by the international standards group, SGS Ireland. As part of this sustainability management system certification the stadium was audited under three main categories; Environment, Social and Economic.

Practices scrutinised in the area of environment included recycling, reduction of carbon footprint and a reduction in energy usage and water. The social strand included health and safety, community relations, the involvement of volunteers and the contribution of a contented and committed workforce.

Cúl Green is working towards making Croke Park carbon neutral so please play your part by making an energy saving pledge today.

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