Australian cricketers launch initiative to get solar on club roofs

Australia’s leading cricketers, including Australian men’s captain Pat Cummins and women's vice-captain Rachael Haynes, have launched an initiative today to have solar panels installed at 15 local cricket clubs – a first step in unlocking the solar potential of the 4,000 clubs across Australia.

Solar Clubs, an initiative from new organisation Cricket for Climate, is focused on driving tangible change, saving the clubs money while reducing their carbon emissions.

Pat Cummins said the Solar Clubs initiative is good for the environment and local cricket clubs, as the money they save on electricity bills can be reinvested back into resources and player development.

“I’m proud that my local club, the Penrith Cricket Club, was first up and has had solar panels installed through the Cricket for Climate initiative,” Cummins said.

“Climate scientists have warned that cricket will be among the sports hardest hit by global warming, and as players we’ve already experienced the impacts, like worsening extreme heat and having matches affected by or cancelled due to bushfire smoke. This is why we need to see urgent action to reduce emissions, the Solar Clubs initiative does this while also having an added economic benefit.”

Australian women’s cricket vice-captain and batter, Rachael Haynes, said:

“Along with Alyssa Healy, I’m really proud to be part of the formative steps taken by Cricket for Climate to address climate change in a very real and practical way,” Haynes said.

“Alyssa and I will be supporting the Sydney Cricket Club with the installation of solar systems at Drummoyne Oval. We’re both still involved with the club,so to be able to help the club cut their emissions, as well as save them money is something I’m sure we’ll be able to point to years from now as an initiative that made a very real difference.”

Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) CEO Todd Greenberg, said:

“If players, sporting administrators and clubs work towards a common goal to put sustainability at the front of their plans, then Australian cricket has the opportunity to play its role in slowing global warming and mitigating the existential threat that cricket faces,” Mr Greenberg said.

“We’re proud that Pat is leading the charge of our players who know we need to do more to reduce our emissions and mitigate the worst aspects of climate change. Acknowledging this responsibility, the ACA has signed the UN Sport for Climate declaration, and is committed to partnering with our players to support efficient and sustainable projects, such as installing solar panels on cricket clubs across the country.”