Sustainability Innovation at Royal Ascot 2024
On course to a better world through simple, sustainable event solutions that are efficient to install and operate
At Royal Ascot 2024, a commitment to sustainability was showcased through the utilisation of innovative, sustainable initiatives. Here we highlight five of the key solutions that were employed: the Greener Battery 422 for energy storage, the Solar Street LED Light for lighting, the CombiMax SMARTSolar waste compactor, Smartflower solar power and EV waste vehicles.
These initiatives significantly enhanced the event's green credentials, aligning with environmental goals and demonstrating a proactive approach to sustainable event management.
Smartflower
The Smartflower, a continuous feature since it’s launch in 2022, is the world’s only solar solution using an all-in-one, sculptural design. It offers a nominal output of 2.5kWp and annual production between 4,000 to 6,500kWh. It operates in temperatures from -20°C to 55°C, and includes safety features for high winds.
Weighing about 700kg, it requires four fastening points and 16ft³ of clear space. The system has a 25-year performance warranty and a 2-year system warranty, ensuring long-term reliability. It provides clean, sustainable energy for businesses, homes or stadiums, and looks great.
Greener Power Solutions
Making its second Royal Ascot appearance, the Greener Battery 422 model is an all-in-one solution housed in a 10-foot container, offering high-capacity and robust energy storage. It has a storage capacity of 422 kWh and delivers power up to 318 kVA. The unit weighs 8700kg, making it substantial yet highly functional for a variety of applications. This model operates on a three-phase 230/400 Vac grid connection and is equipped with PowerSyntax (power lock) connectors for efficient energy transfer.
Designed for a wide range of temperatures from -20°C to 40°C, it ensures performance under diverse conditions. The battery system is liquid-cooled and meets several safety and operational standards, including IP55 and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, ensuring reliability and safety in various environments. It powered the Village Enclosure.
Solar LED Lighting
Installed permanently in The Windsor Enclosure, the Solar Street LED Light 10W from Stratuslight features a polycrystalline solar panel with a 50W maximum power and dimensions of 700x540x30 mm. It includes a 10W LED luminaire with asymmetric optics, delivering 1200 lumens, ideal for street lighting.
The system is controlled by an intelligent solar controller that supports up to 10A, ensuring efficient battery management and protection. It's equipped with an 18Ah gel battery and can illuminate for up to 12 hours. Recommended for mounting heights between 3 to 7 meters, this solar system is designed for poles with a 60 mm diameter. Ideal for walkways, to aid crowd access and egress.
Electric Waste Vehicles
Grundon Waste Management introduced electric waste collection vehicles powered by electricity generated from the waste they collect in 2023, deploying them again for Royal Ascot 2024. Each vehicle gathers about five tonnes of waste per round, which is processed at the Lakeside Energy from Waste facility to generate 3,100kW of energy daily. Of this energy, 280kW recharges each vehicle, while 2,820kW is fed back into the National Grid, enough to power an average household for a year.
Grundon invests £5 million annually in this project, converting existing diesel vehicles to electric, saving over £100,000 per conversion. This initiative supports Grundon’s broader strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, reduce pollution, and enhance energy efficiency through innovative waste management practices. By generating and utilising energy from waste, Grundon & Ascot Racecourse sets a precedent for environmental stewardship in the industry, demonstrating a practical application that benefits both the environment and the community.
Solar Powered Compactors
Making its Royal Ascot debut, the Europress CombiMax SMARTSolar is a solar-powered waste compactor designed for handling cardboard, plastic, and mixed waste. It can accommodate several standard container sizes, including 14 m³, 17 m³, and 20 m³. This device is equipped with four 300W solar panels and can operate independently of mains power, making it ideal for remote or electricity-scarce locations.
It offers significant operational flexibility, running for over 2.5 hours on solar energy alone on sunny days, with the option to use mains power for additional running time. The CombiMax SMARTSolar is robust, efficient, and tailored with feed hoppers according to specific needs, ensuring it meets diverse waste management requirements effectively.
Peter Watts Rockvolt MD
"At Royal Ascot 2024, sustainability innovation took the best learnings from the great work completed in 2022 and 2023 and raised the bar again. These initiatives significantly enhanced the event's environmental impact, showcasing a commitment to greener practices through cutting-edge technologies that are an absolute no brainer.
My question to all events and sports venues would be ‘why wouldn’t you seek to implement these technologies?’ They’re so efficient, easy to install and operate, and the environmental benefits are tangible.
By integrating these sustainable solutions, Royal Ascot has once again demonstrated industry leading environmental stewardship and set a benchmark for sustainable event management."
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