Lord's displays green credentials with 100% renewable energy drive

Lord's has become the first cricket ground in the UK to run completely on renewable energy, amid warnings that extreme weather linked to climate change has caused £3.5m worth of damages to the sport.

Research presented at Lord's during the launch of the #ShowtheLove campaign - which aims to show that cultural hotspots, such as sporting venues, could be lost to climate change - states that increased rainfall has caused significant loss of fixtures in recreational cricket and impacted on the professional game.

Other sports are also taking note of the issue. The National Hockey League (NHL) has previously warned that the future of ice hockey is under threat from climate change and water scarcity issues.

"It is important that all organisations embrace sustainability and I'm very pleased that Lord's has become the first cricket ground in the country to run on 100% renewable energy," said MCC's chief executive, Derek Brewer.

The event also showcased the latest progress in the rebuilt Warner Stand at Lord's, which is due to be opened in April, and will include innovative features such as a solar PV roof and a state-of-the-art water collection and recycling system.

"No three words are more depressing for a cricketer than 'rain stopped play'," said Wells MP, James Heappey. "While being rained off is an occupational hazard, the suggestion that climate change is making it happen more often will be unwelcome to anyone who loves our great summer sport.

"We do however have defences against climate change, and the way to get on the front foot is to build a clean energy economy that doesn't produce more and more carbon pollution. Lords is showing us the way, and it's fantastic that the 'Home of Cricket' has broken the mould and committed to running on 100% clean energy."