Birmingham 2022 Set to Become First Carbon-Neutral Commonwealth Games
March 19, 2021
Birmingham 2022 marked March 15's '500 Days to Go' countdown with the unveiling of its plan to deliver the first-ever carbon-neutral Commonwealth Games. As the Official Nature & Carbon Neutral Supporter, water company Severn Trent will be responsible for delivering a series of initiatives that help offset the carbon generated by the 2022 Commonwealth Games, aiming to leave a positive social and environmental legacy of sustainability in the West Midlands, UK.
As part of the partnership, Severn Trent will create 2022 acres of forest and 72 tennis-court-sized mini forests in urban areas across the West Midlands. Each mini-forest will be linked to one of the nations and territories competing at the Games, while the larger forests - intended to be based in the West Midlands - will feature native species. Organisers say the move will help local people reconnect with nature while also helping to offset the carbon generated by the Games.
"We have always had strong ambitions to set new standards in all we do with these Commonwealth Games and make significant progress in areas that matter," said Ian Reid, chief executive of Birmingham 2022.
"Our plan not only outlines how we will continue to support the regionwide economic recovery but also demonstrates how we will leave a credible piece of social and environmental legacy. Our commitment to become the first carbon-neutral Games is a significant one, and this marks just the start of our journey to make these Commonwealth Games the most sustainable to date.”
By 2030, Severn Trent has also committed to planting 1.3 million new trees and enhancing 5,000 hectares of biodiversity as part of its Great Big Nature Boost initiative.
Birmingham 2022's sustainability pledge has seven key pillars -- the first being addressing carbon and air quality, with cleaner transport options among their aims.
The other pillars promote a circular economy that encourages waste reduction, delivering new conservation initiatives, improving accessibility for disabled people, embedding equality, diversity and inclusion beyond the Games, promoting social value through job growth and volunteering roles and ensuring human rights are abided by all contractors and suppliers associated with Birmingham 2022.
Liv Garfield, CEO of Severn Trent said: "We’re passionate about making a positive impact on the communities and the environment where we live and operate and to the lives of everyone that we serve.
“Through this exciting partnership, we’ll build on our existing work and ambitions to deliver lasting social and environmental change by creating new green urban spaces, further enhancing biodiversity, promoting plastic-free thinking and ultimately delivering a carbon neutral legacy for generations to come.’’