Rugby clubs across the country are being supported by a new partnership which aims to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint. Clubs have also been given funding to help support sustainability in their local community, while a Young Ambassador programme will train and empower young people to become climate champions at their clubs.
A new partnership between Scottish Gas and Scottish Rugby will help the rugby community across Scotland reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint.
The deal will involve more than 130 active clubs in all five playing regions of Scotland and could reduce energy consumption by over 50%.
Community benefit
A central part of the partnership is a £2million joint investment in the Club & Community Net Zero Fund across the five-year deal. Clubs will receive free tailored energy efficiency advice and access grants from the fund to help pay for improvements. Scottish Gas will use Murrayfield as a leading example by providing expert support and advice in order to identify and potentially fund future energy efficiency infrastructure projects.
And it’s not just the nation’s 47,000 rugby players that will benefit – by working directly with clubs, the partnership aims to engage communities across Scotland to deliver on the Scottish Government’s net zero ambitions for 2045.
Scottish Gas will become naming partners of Murrayfield Stadium and provide a decarbonisation plan and greener energy supply for the entire Murrayfield Estate from solar, wind, hydro power and biogas.
Scottish Rugby’s Chief Executive Mark Dodson said: “Scottish Rugby is starting out on an important journey towards becoming even more energy efficient and is ready to take on its responsibility and play its part in the country’s transition to a lower-carbon future.
“This deal is therefore important in both a sporting and societal context. Unquestionably, it helps to future proof rugby in Scotland for the next generation through significant investment and also the contribution and impact Scottish Gas will be having within our community clubs. Our vision, at the time of cost-of-living challenges for clubs and households, is to provide meaningful support and funding to clubs and communities throughout Scotland.
Climate champions
Meanwhile Scottish Rugby’s Royal Bank Young Ambassador programme has entered its third year, recruiting 15 passionate 18-35 year olds from across Scotland to become the climate champions of their rugby clubs.
In partnership with Scottish Rugby, Royal Bank are empowering young people to take on responsible committee positions and spearhead their club’s climate action plans. With relevant training provided, the Young Ambassadors will be able to put their best foot forward in tackling climate change – benefitting their club’s pocket, their community and the environment.
Each Young Ambassador will receive a £500 grant to put towards the climate projects outlined in their applications that showcased their dedication for a more sustainable future for their clubs and communities.
They will also benefit from digital support, mentoring, and invites to exclusive events at Murrayfield.
Support for grassroots rugby
Ten clubs have also been awarded grants to help communities tackle climate change. The Royal Bank RugbyForce programme, now in its 15th year of delivery, continues to support grassroots rugby clubs up and down the country to achieve their goals and build greener futures.
After a rigorous judging process, 10 clubs have been awarded a grant of £3,000 to help them tackle climate change.
New for 2023, this year’s initiative sees a pivot with club’s being asked to promote sustainability in the local community.
Via their application, the clubs demonstrated genuine commitment to kick start their club’s climate action plans and put on a fantastic RugbyForce event to engage with their communities.
The top grant award winners faced competition from clubs across the country, which saw around 100 submissions put forward to the RugbyForce judging committee.
