27 Apr 2023

Australia’s home of sport, the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has, over a seven-year period, achieved higher than expected energy, cost and emissions savings under an energy performance contract (EPC) between Siemens and the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC).

In the seven-year period of the energy performance contract with Siemens, we’ve saved over A$5 million in energy costs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by a colossal 50,089 tons of CO2. This is the equivalent energy consumption of over 6,000 homes in a year,” said Stuart Fox, CEO at MCC.

The MCG stadium has also:
  • Achieved a 120% return of guaranteed financial value.
  • Saved 119% on guaranteed electricity value and 157% on guaranteed water value.
  • Saved enough electricity to power the light towers for nearly six years.

new seven-year EPC

Announcement of the results comes shortly after the launch of MCC’s 2022-2025 sustainability plan
The new seven-year EPC includes further savings using technology and digital services from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, with the implementation of Siemens’ patented demand flow optimization strategy for the entire chilled water system, and the replacement of chillers. It will also include monitoring and optimization of car park ventilation systems, and digitalization technology to manage peak electricity usage and other works.
 
The announcement of the results comes shortly after the launch of MCC’s 2022-2025 sustainability plan to ensure continued focus on tackling climate change. The two companies also commemorate significant milestones with the MCC turning 185 in 2023, while the MCG will turn 170 in the same year. Siemens is currently commemorating its 150th anniversary in Australia.

Author's quote

As we approach this significant milestone it gives me great pride to say that the MCG is one of the most environmentally sustainable stadia in the world. Millions of people visit the stadium each year to enjoy Australian Football League, cricket, and other major sporting events and concerts."
 
Millions of people visit the stadium each year to enjoy Australian Football League"
 
He adds, "The MCG is a special place for the people of Melbourne - and visitors from all around the world - proudly leading by example when it comes to sustainability and continually investing in ways to further progress initiatives in this space,” added Mr. Fox.
 
Peter Halliday, Chairman and CEO of Siemens Australia and New Zealand, said: “We have great technology at Siemens. However, it’s only by having bold and ambitious customers and working closely with them that we can bring our technology to life and give it purpose. This project is a testament that technology investment and sustainability go hand in hand with successful business outcomes. Achieving net zero requires a multi-pronged approach and the work done by MCC is a great example of how buildings, one of the highest consumers of energy, can drive positive environmental outcomes and positive business outcomes.” 

EPC works

The first EPC works implemented by Siemens at MCG include:
  • Replacing existing lighting systems with low-energy lighting technologies.
  • Installing a new building management system.
  • Implementing changes to heating and ventilation systems.
  • Installing new chilled water systems and modernized room control systems. 
In November 2017, the sustainability work done by MCC and Siemens was judged Best Commercial Energy Efficiency Project at Australia’s National Energy Efficiency Awards.