Manchester City remained focused on becoming net zero by 2030 and this season saw the reduction in consumption of almost 1 million kilowatt-hour (kwh) of electricity, more than 400,000 kwh of gas, and just under 50,000 cubic metres of water.
Work to change the floodlights at the City Football Academy (CFA) to all-new LED was completed, which is anticipated to deliver an energy saving of 60%. The recycling rate increased to above 74%, and the Club achieved its target of collecting and re-using 80% recycled water.
City continued utilising 100% renewable electricity and further reduced its electricity and gas consumption. Electricity usage went down by just under 5%, with a saving of 988,000 kwh of energy. Meanwhile, gas consumption was reduced by 7%, saving 451,557 kwh of energy.
More than 60 staff supported the Club’s BeSustainable Big Day Out in March, getting involved in a range of volunteering sessions across East Manchester. Staff planted wildflower seeds at the CFA and along the Connell College embankment, created a sensory garden and allotments at a local college and renovated the green spaces at a local community centre.
14 new wildlife species were found to be nesting at the CFA, further diversifying the environment on site. In total, there are now more than 500 different species living on site.
Source: Manchester City
City announced the first phase of the Club’s energy self-generation initiative with the installation of more than 10,000 solar panels through its new Official Solar Energy Partner, JinkoSolar.
The target is for the CFA to become one of the largest producers of renewable energy in world football. In total, the new solar panels will generate up to 4.4 megawatt-hours of renewable energy every year.
The self-supplied energy will completely offset the CFA’s annual usage, and any excess power will be shared with the Etihad Stadium.
More than 3,000 panels will be located on the roof of the 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium, home to the Club’s women’s team, while a further 3,942 panels will be located on the roofs of the Men’s First Team and Academy buildings.
An additional 3,830 panels will be installed on frames over footpaths and pitch-side areas at the CFA.
The panels – which are being installed and managed by Manchester-based renewable energy developer, Clearvolt – will be fully operational by the end of the 2024-25 season.
The Matchday Bus Network trial with Transport for Greater Manchester was successful this season and will continue into 2024-25.
During the season, 92% of fans reported being happy with the service, finding it convenient, easy to use, and a great way to socialise with other fans on the way to matches.
It also helped to provide an increasingly sustainable option for travelling to and from the Etihad Stadium.
In total, the Matchday Bus Network operates 15 routes across Greater Manchester and beyond, covering 64 stops.
