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Three football stadiums in London have ranked among the most sustainable in the Premier League
Google searches for “New Trafford” have skyrocketed by 2,850% in the past month following Manchester United’s announcement of a state-of-the-art stadium set to be built alongside the current ground.
Designed to set a new global standard for sustainable urban development, the project will connect new and existing communities through improved transport links and pedestrian access, all while integrating eco-friendly innovations such as rainwater harvesting and renewable energy.
With sustainability in football under the spotlight, energy experts at Bionic have revealed the greenest stadiums in the Premier League.
The Emirates Stadium, the home of Arsenal, tops the rankings as the UK’s greenest stadium.
Emirates Stadium has been revealed as the most sustainable in the Premier LeagueEmirates Stadium has been revealed as the most sustainable in the Premier League
Emirates Stadium has been revealed as the most sustainable in the Premier League | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
The stadium has a median energy efficiency score of 78, reflecting its mid-to-strong sustainability efforts. However, the air pollution in the surrounding area is high, at 95.
The stadium’s total heat usage is 280,193 megawatts per hour, indicating significant energy consumption, yet green initiatives, such as LED lighting solutions, which cut consumption by 30%, help it to place at the top of the rankings.
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Amex Stadium ranks as the Premier League’s second greenest stadium, with an index score of 59.23.
With a median energy efficiency score of 66, the Amex Stadium has a mid-tier sustainability level, indicating a moderate approach to energy conservation.
Additionally, the stadium's total heat usage is 37,621 megawatt-hours, which is considerably lower than many other Premier League stadiums. This suggests significantly reduced energy consumption, likely due to its reliance on renewable energy, including solar panels at the training ground.
Three London clubs complete the top five greenest Premier League stadiums, all scoring 57.9 in sustainability rankings.
A West Ham United fan checks their phone at London StadiumA West Ham United fan checks their phone at London Stadium
A West Ham United fan checks their phone at London Stadium | Getty Images
West Ham’s London Stadium has a relatively high median energy efficiency score of 84. However, air pollution in and around the area is significantly high at 91, which means that, despite its energy-efficient practices, the local environment suffers from poor air quality.
Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park has the lowest air pollution of the joint third-placers, with a score of only 85, meaning the surrounding area benefits from relatively cleaner air compared to other London stadiums. However, the total heat usage is rather high at 213,599 megawatts per hour.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has the lowest total heat usage of the three, at 195,021 megawatts per hour. However, air quality in and around the stadium is the poorest, with a score of 96.
Top 10 most sustainable stadiums in the Premier League:
Emirates
Amex
London Stadium
Selhurst Park
Tottenham Hotspur
Old Trafford
King Power
Vitality
Etihad
St James’ Park
Jorginho arrives at the Emirates StadiumJorginho arrives at the Emirates Stadium
Jorginho arrives at the Emirates Stadium | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Les Roberts, energy expert at Bionic, added: "The plans for Manchester United’s new stadium are setting a new benchmark for sustainability in football. With plans for energy-harvesting technology being built into its vast canopy, rainwater collection systems, and a fully walkable district designed to reduce car reliance, this development could redefine what it means to be an eco-friendly stadium.
“Everton’s new waterfront stadium will also raise the game when it comes to sustainability, as it will utilise solar, wind, and rain power to create green energy and reduce traditional energy consumption. This again shows how large infrastructure projects can work in tandem with sustainability agendas.
“While the Emirates Stadium currently leads the way in Premier League sustainability, a new generation of football stadia with a commitment to renewable energy, smart urban design, and green civic spaces have the potential to overtake Arsenal’s ground in terms of energy efficiency."
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