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Solar-powered training and supporting the community
English Premier League club AFC Bournemouth has begun the process of installing over 600 solar panels at its new training complex, thanks to an agreement with energy and sustainability partner Utilita.
The solar array will be spread across the main roof and pitch maintenance building, which will help to cut the club’s annual CO2 emissions by 30,000kg while also providing a cost saving of £1.5m. The installation is expected to be completed by the end of the summer.
Utilita will also collaborate with Bournemouth across a number of campaigns to promote sustainability, including a 20-week initiative with the Community Sports Trust to boost awareness locally around green energy and solar panels.
Further initiatives will include the Utilita Energy Savings Champions, whereby fans can nominate someone in the community who has made a conscious effort to be more environmentally friendly. The winner will receive an exclusive VIP prize.
Bournemouth will support Utilita’s Football Rebooted campaign, a boot recycling scheme that aims to prevent one million pairs of boots from ending up in landfill. It also enables people to play football regardless of their background.
“It’s really encouraging to see a football club invest in solar, particularly one of AFC Bournemouth’s gravitas."
Fans can donate or claim pre-played football boots for free at the store at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium.
“Sustainability has always been a key pillar of the training ground project, so to be delivering it on such a high level is something we’re really proud of,” commented Darren Booth, Project Manager at Bournemouth’s Canford training complex.
Archie Lasseter, Head of Sustainability at Utilita, added: “It’s really encouraging to see a football club invest in solar, particularly one of AFC Bournemouth’s gravitas. This industry-first installation is – if you’d excuse the pun – a perfect ‘cherry on top’ for the remarkable new facility in Canford.
“Thanks to the array, the club will become a leading force in the drive for sustainability across football, producing 280,000 kWp annually and significantly slashing carbon emissions.”
Image: Chris Downer