Today (August 5) the people behind the Cardiff venue said it had achieved BS 8901, developed by the BSI Group, to be the British Standard for the events industry.

It comes less than one year after the stadium bid to improve its sustainability credentials in line with the standard – which was launched in September 2010.

The stadium now boosts a host of environmental features with a palletised pitch system, with rainwater harvesting below the grass beds,

Infra-red controls fitted to the urinals also stop unnecessary flushing, meters monitor energy and water consumption, new LED lighting and light controls as well as alternative methods of water heating mean boilers can be shut down in summer.

The stadium also promotes public transport through the venue’s stakeholders on event days.

Millennium Stadium general manager, Gerry Toms, said: “To attain the standard ahead of any other UK venue is a fantastic achievement and this is especially impressive when you consider the size and structure of our building, which was built over a decade ago.

“Sustainability has brought its challenges but with a lot of hard work we have proved that we can run our business more efficiently and build for the future.

“This sends a clear message to all our stakeholders, many of which have also stepped up their commitment to sustainability, and I look forward to the competitive edge the certification will afford us in the UK.”

Wales’ environment minister, John Griffiths, said: “I am delighted Cardiff’s iconic Millennium Stadium is first UK stadium to achieve this sustainability certification and that the organisation’s hard work to attain high sustainability standards has been recognised.

“The success of the stadium reflects the Welsh Government’s own commitment to sustainable development as Wales is one of only three countries in the world with a statutory duty to promote sustainable development.”

Luke Walsh

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