With some help, PCA thinks green

The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium hosted the country’s first carbon neutral match on Friday when the Kings XI Punjab took on the Mumbai Indians.

The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium hosted the country’s first carbon neutral match on Friday when the Kings XI Punjab took on the Mumbai Indians.

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This was the first of five such matches to be played across the country. In its attempt to become a zero carbon-emitting body, the PCA has sought the help of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to suggest ways to achieve the goal. According to UNEP calculations, 580 tonnes of CO2 and related emissions occur during a match. Instead of cutting on the post and pre-match entertainment, the PCA will donate $10,150 per match to a residual biomass project in Rajasthan.

UNEP’s Theodore Oben, who is here to suggest ways of organising a carbon-friendly game, said, “The UNEP has taken into account all match-related activities right from travelling to use of electricity, loud music and waste generation.” PCA president, I.S Bindra, said, “We’ve been given suggestions like solar panels on roof tops and rain water harvesting. These will be implemented soon,” he said.