While the energy sector is tackling the transition to net zero by adopting cleaner forms of energy generation, there’s also a role for individuals and for businesses to play. Including one of the biggest businesses in Australia, and one of our favourite pastimes, sport.
And this is what we’re exploring in the latest episode of So Watt? A podcast about energy hosted by Dom Fay and Zach Mander from Collective Noun. We’re looking at the transition to a cleaner energy system, powered predominantly by renewables. So, can the sports industry make the transition to net zero? Tune into episode five below or read on to find out.
Will motorsports evolve?
First up, let’s talk about a sport which is likely to see more change than most through the energy transition: motor racing. Vroom, vroom.
It’s a carbon-intensive sport, and it’s at a crossroads – electric vehicles are here. Most car manufacturers are now working on some kind of electric vehicle, and it’s forcing major racing championships to reconsider how they operate.
In fact, The World Rally Championship is starting to transition to hybrid vehicles. There’s also Formula E, which is basically an electric version of Formula One, as well as an off-road rally championship called Extreme E – held in places around the world that are most likely to be affected by climate change.
And yes, EVs are quieter than a regular car, especially the roaring engines at motorsports events. So, what does that mean for fans? While it’s a change, it remains an action-packed event that fans love according to Molly Taylor, winner of the 2016 Australian Rally Championship and current Extreme E driver.
“There’s no track, often, like there’s no roads, we’re just they literally setting up a course in like a dry riverbed, it’ll be in the middle of the sand dunes or wherever it may be, with flags in the ground, drive between these flags, and then drive as fast as you can to the next flags type of scenario. And you know, we’re out in this beautiful, beautiful landscape. And it’s nice and quiet.”
“It’s different noises that you’re hearing. Now you do hear the electric motor, but you also have a lot more, you can hear stones and gravel and that stuff hitting the camera. So, you have different kinds of cues you take. So it’s more a case of just adapting to that, which happens pretty quickly.”
And Extreme E is just one example of a sport that’s making positive changes for the planet. Players across AFL, soccer and cricket are also influencing action on how teams and clubs operate – at both a national and grassroots level.
Sport and the environment
Whether it’s running lights at night for training, or trying to keep the clubhouse cool, there are different things that clubs should consider when looking to reduce the impact of the energy they use at sports stadiums and events.
Over at Melbourne City Football Club, their new training facility is being built, and work is underway with Origin to increase its solar capacity, add battery storage and EV charging stations. There’s also LED lighting, and energy efficient windows and insulation to reduce reliance on heating and cooling. It’s all about smarter, cleaner energy solutions to reduce carbon emissions.
And this new training facility is beside fields where community sporting clubs and local schools play, helping inspire a new generation across social issues including climate change and sustainability.
Tips for local clubs
It’s not just professional clubs that can make changes to reduce their carbon emissions.
All clubs need to start somewhere, and the first step is to start to think about the different ways your club may be making an impact with carbon emissions. For example, think about how you’re travelling to and from a game or from training, how you’re using sports equipment, and how you’re using the facilities, including lighting, air conditioning, heating, and appliances. Once you have an idea of these things, then you can start with small changes.
Consider more energy efficient lighting or appliances and whether things can be done differently – like design, set-up or timing of events, as well as looking at what type of energy plan the club is on (is adding GreenPower an option?). For some clubs or facilities, there may be an opportunity to invest in solar.
Everyone can play a role in the transition to net zero – at home, at work, and on the field, court, racetrack… wherever you enjoy sports. Athletes, fans, clubs and businesses can work together to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions.
Hosts, Zach and Dom from Collective Noun admit they know nothing about energy – but not for long! Origin’s So Watt? podcast questions everything you thought you knew about energy, and explores the solutions that exist today. In season two of So Watt?, go on a journey with Zach and Dom to find out more about the transition to renewables, what changes are already happening and what’s coming up.
