Royal Challengers Bengaluru players will once again sport their iconic green jerseys when they take on Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday. The green jerseys, made from recycled fabric, highlight the franchise’s broader sustainability initiatives, aiming to raise awareness about conservation and the need to protect the environment. RCB is a “carbon-neutral” T20 franchise, and through this initiative at the home stadium for fan engagement throughout the season, the team seeks to further engage fans in its environmental mission with the ambition of becoming carbon-positive, according to the RCB press release.
Speaking on the initiative, Rajesh Menon, COO, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, said, “For us it is about being bold, both on and off the pitch. Our green jerseys are more than just a symbol; they are a call to action. As proud representatives of the Garden City, sustainability is a natural priority for us. Through this initiative, we aim to leverage the cultural and social power of RCB to drive awareness and inspire fans to take small steps towards conservation.”
RCB’s sustainability endeavours are not only comprehensive but also rooted in data. Regular carbon audits allow the franchise to closely track their ecological impact across all operations. The franchise carries out detailed surveys to map their carbon footprint, not only within the stadium through diesel generator emissions but also through fan commutes to and from the stadium, gauging the impact of spectator travel on overall emissions, the release said.
RCB’s commitment to sustainability also focuses on team operations. Over the course of the season, the travel footprint of players, support staff, and the cheer squad is thoroughly assessed. This includes a complete audit of accommodation booked for the team across both home and away matches, with an analysis of carbon emissions per room night. Furthermore, emissions from waste generated at the stadium are calculated based on waste type, ensuring every aspect of their environmental impact is accounted for and addressed.
RCB deploys a series of measures to combat their carbon offset, comprising waste management and segregation at the stadium, the use of renewable energy sources such as solar-powered lighting and wind energy, and other initiatives to reduce dependency on conventional resources.
From a community perspective, RCB’s broader outreach last year comprised the development of green schools and lake rejuvenation initiatives across Bengaluru. They also asked fans to take a pledge to conserve energy, making them active participants in the sustainability movement.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play the Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, April 13th, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
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