SSE Energy Solutions and Surrey County Cricket Club (Surrey CCC) have agreed a three-year extension to their partnership which will see the club progress on its journey to net zero and The Kia Oval become the most sustainable cricket ground in the world.
As one of the biggest and most successful cricket clubs in the country, within one of the most historic venues in sport, Surrey CCC aims to cut carbon emissions by 80% by 2030 and sees SSE Energy Solutions as the perfect partner in helping them work towards this target.
The energy company, which provides renewable electricity for businesses like Surrey CCC from its UK wind farms, offers a growing suite of energy products, solutions and advice to support business customers.
As part of the extended partnership, the Oval One stand completed in 2021 at the Pavilion end of the ground will be re-named the SSE Energy Solutions Stand and the SSE Energy Solutions logo will also feature on the playing trousers of Surrey’s new, fully-professional women’s team.
SSE Energy Solutions will also undertake an energy audit and explore renewable energy options such as extending the club’s existing solar assets. The focus will be on energy efficiency and reducing the direct emissions that result from the running of The Kia Oval venue. In addition, Surrey and SSE Energy Solutions will partner to create fan-focused activities on match days and throughout the season to promote sustainability.
Speaking at a ‘Sustainability for Business’ event at The Kia Oval aimed at businesses in Surrey’s supply chain network, Nikki Flanders, Managing Director at SSE Energy Solutions said:
“Building on the strong relationship with Surrey CCC during our first year as partners, we’re really looking forward to helping the club accelerate their sustainability journey over the next three years.
“At SSE Energy Solutions, we meet customers where they are on their sustainability journey, providing a range of options to suit their business needs. So, as part of our partnership, our business teams are working with Surrey CCC on identifying the right energy efficiency solutions for them, starting with undertaking an energy audit and exploring additional solar opportunities.
“It’s also really important to us to support Surrey’s wider business network and fanbase in their own sustainability journeys. We’ll continue to drive forward opportunities like this ‘Sustainability for Business’ event, to help others in their first steps identifying both the supply and energy efficiency opportunities that are right for their business.”
Steve Elworthy, CEO of Surrey County Cricket Club, said:
“Our partnership got off to a strong start in 2024, and we’re thrilled to be batting for sustainability with SSE Energy Solutions for the years to come. They are an organisation who share our passion and vision for a more sustainable future.
“SSE Group are pioneers in providing low-carbon energy solutions. It is incredible to lean back on their support and expertise as we seek to progress on our sustainability journey and achieve our ambition of becoming the most sustainable cricket ground in the world. We’re really looking forward to growing our alliance and making an impact together.”
The club plans to announce a new sustainability strategy later this year and has already signed up to the UN Sport for Climate Action Framework, earning Platinum certification for sustainable operations by Greengage, and received the “Sustainability in Sport Award” in both 2021 and 2023. The Kia Oval is one of the most iconic cricket grounds in the world, having hosted over 100 test matches in its 179-year existence. Through the Surrey County Foundation, the club works with schools, clubs, charities and governing bodies to increase participation in the sport amongst all demographics to ensure it is enjoyed by many.
