Carbon Reduction Award Winner: CBRE & Twickenham Stadium

In 2017, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) partnered with CBRE to manage hard services at Twickenham Stadium, with a core focus on sustainability and operational excellence. Over the years, this collaboration has delivered substantial sustainability outcomes, including a 43% reduction in carbon emissions between 2018 and 2023. The BASIS Awards judges recognized this submission for its impressive combination of operational changes, capital investment, and meaningful engagement with local stakeholders, which resulted in significant environmental and financial gains.

What is the CBRE & Twickenham Sustainability Partnership?

The partnership between CBRE and Twickenham Stadium is a long-term, strategic initiative aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of one of the world’s most iconic rugby venues. By combining innovative operational changes, data-driven energy management, and cutting-edge technology, CBRE and Twickenham have reduced energy consumption and emissions while maintaining the stadium’s performance and fan experience. This partnership exemplifies how operational efficiency, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability leadership can deliver measurable environmental impact.

Why CBRE & Twickenham Stood Out

1. Operational Excellence and Efficiency A critical part of Twickenham’s carbon reduction success stemmed from optimising energy use. From 2018 onward, Twickenham implemented several initiatives to reduce energy waste. For instance, CBRE optimised asset schedules based on occupancy, ensuring systems like HVAC and lighting ran only when necessary. This was further enhanced by installing variable speed drives (VSDs) across key assets to reduce operational frequency and energy consumption without sacrificing performance. Additionally, the installation of LED lighting and TRIAD activations to manage peak energy periods contributed to significant reductions.
2. Strategic Capital Investment The RFU and CBRE made key long-term investments to enhance energy efficiency, such as replacing the stadium roof to increase natural light, thus reducing reliance on artificial lighting. The capital investment also included advanced energy-saving technology, like upgrading the Building Management System (BMS) to optimise heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This investment resulted in a substantial reduction in both electricity and gas consumption, bringing year-to-date savings of 28% and 26%, respectively, compared to 2018 levels.
3. Sustained Engagement with Stakeholders A defining feature of this project has been the RFU and CBRE’s commitment to engaging with both internal and external stakeholders. The partnership has fostered a culture of energy mindfulness across the stadium’s staff, encouraging everyone to contribute to sustainability efforts. This engagement extended to local stakeholders, amplifying the environmental benefits through collaboration with the broader community. By aligning operational practices with local needs, Twickenham strengthened its role as a community-focused venue.
4. Impressive Carbon and Cost Savings Between 2018 and 2023, Twickenham achieved a 43% reduction in carbon emissions, cutting emissions from 8,372 tCO2e to 4,789 tCO2e. This was accompanied by a 27% cost avoidance, saving the stadium approximately £1.5 million. These results were made possible through a combination of operational efficiencies, strategic investments, and data-driven energy management, demonstrating the power of systematic carbon reduction.

Sustainable Impact

The CBRE and Twickenham partnership has turned the stadium into a model of sustainability within the sports industry. The reduction in carbon emissions, gas usage, and electricity consumption aligns with BASIS principles of energy efficiency, waste minimization, and stakeholder engagement. Moreover, Twickenham’s efforts have not only reduced its environmental impact but also achieved substantial financial savings, making the case for sustainability as both an environmental and economic imperative.

Positive Impact on Sport

Twickenham’s leadership in sustainability has had a profound effect on the wider sports world. As one of the most iconic rugby stadiums globally, its success in carbon reduction has set a powerful example for other sporting venues. Twickenham has proven that large-scale venues can dramatically reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining world-class standards, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable sports management.

Enhancing Fan and Player Experience

The sustainability efforts at Twickenham have also positively impacted the fan and player experience. Initiatives like the zero-waste-to-landfill policy, plastic reduction efforts, and improvements in energy efficiency have enhanced the match-day experience, aligning with the growing concern among fans about the environmental impact of the events they attend. The stadium’s upgrades have created a more comfortable, eco-friendly environment, ensuring a high-quality experience for all while minimising environmental damage.

Industry Leadership and Legacy

Twickenham’s commitment to sustainability has earned it prestigious accreditations, including BS20121 Event Sustainability Accreditation, ISO 14001, and Green Tourism Silver. These certifications, combined with the stadium’s zero-waste-to-landfill policy and transparent annual reporting, demonstrate its role as an industry leader in sustainability. The RFU and CBRE’s partnership is not just about operational success but about setting a new standard for sports venues globally.

Twickenham Stadium regularly serves as a case study for other organisations seeking to adopt sustainable practices. By hosting tours and sharing its experiences, the stadium is helping drive industry-wide change, inspiring others to prioritise sustainability and carbon reduction. This commitment to transparency and knowledge-sharing is reinforcing Twickenham’s legacy as a leader in sustainable sports management.

Conclusion

The RFU’s collaboration with CBRE has transformed Twickenham Stadium’s approach to sustainability, resulting in a remarkable 43% reduction in carbon emissions and significant financial savings. By combining operational excellence, capital investment, and stakeholder engagement, Twickenham has become a beacon of sustainability in sport, influencing other venues and the wider industry to follow suit. This partnership proves that even the largest sporting venues can lead the way in reducing their environmental impact, setting a new standard for sustainability in sport.