MCC appoints new Sustainability and Accessibility Manager

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has appointed a new Sustainability and Accessibility Manager to deliver the Club’s Sustainability Strategy 2020-2030 and help it continue its role as a leading voice in the world of cricket on critical issues effecting sustainability, such as climate change, which has a significant impact on sport. 

Stuart Dunlop, who previously worked in sustainability roles at Hackney Borough Council, took up the post at a time that also saw Lord’s host the launch of a new UN report on the relationship between sport and nature. 

The event saw leading sports clubs, including Chelsea Football Club and the All England Lawn Tennis Club, come together to discuss the Sport For Nature report commissioned by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and led by researchers from Loughborough University. The study, which consulted 103 sport organisations representing 30 different sports across 48 different countries, sets out the potential for sport to protect and support nature. 

Lord’s was the first UK sports venue to appoint a sustainability manager in 2009 and has taken a number of steps to make the Home of Cricket more sustainable, including moving to 100% renewable electricity with a switch to wind power energy in 2017 to reduce its carbon footprint. The Club has also recently signed up to the UN Sports for Climate Action framework alongside its sister Club in Australia, Melbourne Cricket Club, and Gloucestershire County Cricket Club.

Part of Dunlop’s role will be to ensure that MCC’s ambitious commitment to reach net zero is met. Waste management and recycling will also come under his remit, including measures to further reduce single use plastic, decrease water consumption, support biodiversity and nature and reduce the overall environmental impact of the Ground. 

Stuart Dunlop, MCC Sustainability and Accessibility Manager, said: “I’m excited to work for such a prestigious and forward-thinking organisation that has made great strides in sustainability in recent years. Cricket and the wider sporting community are already facing the impact of a rapidly changing climate, and we all must play our part in tackling this issue. It’s an exciting time to be working in this area, and I look forward to helping MCC deliver on its sustainability strategy’s critical priorities and commitments. 

Robert Ebdon, Estates Director, MCC, said: “We are delighted to have someone of Stuart’s expertise, experience and passion for sustainability with us at MCC and to help us make Lord’s even more sustainable and accessible for current and future generations. MCC has an opportunity and responsibility to lead on sustainability in sport and we are proud of the progress that we have made on sustainability, but like all areas of society, we know there is much more to do.”