In collaboration with SSE Energy Solutions, Surrey’s sustainability-focused Vitality Blast match day is set to return for a third year running on Sunday 12 July, when the women’s team welcome Hampshire and the men take on Essex Eagles in a double-header at the Kia Oval.
Launched in 2024, the ‘Sustainabili-T20’ match is part of the Club’s commitment to raising awareness and opening a dialogue about climate change with staff, spectators, and players, as well as spotlighting the ongoing environmentally-friendly practices as the Kia Oval continues to move towards its ambitious target of becoming the most sustainable cricket ground in the world.
This year’s fixture is themed around electricity conservation and reduction, and its positive impact on the planet as well as on saving money for individuals. The match day will be delivered with support from sustainable energy experts at SSE Energy Solutions, who will quiz spectators at the ground and offer a bumper prize to the winners.
SSE Energy Solutions will also be sharing practical and easy-to-do sustainability tips for Surrey fans to follow, alongside batting for sustainability in the Bat Fast cricket simulator and bringing back the popular energy bike games for supporters of all ages to get involved with.
Returning to this summer’s ‘Sustainabili-T20’ are also a number of local organisations and initiatives, including Bee Urban and Surrey Wildlife Trust. There will also be two dedicated eco playgrounds – a nature-inspired play space constructed using non-toxic and sustainable materials – offering life-size board games to young supporters and their families. More activities will be confirmed in due course.
All food outlets will be serving sustainable options, such as vegan or plant-based dishes, like they do throughout the T20 summer at the Kia Oval.
David Manning, Customer Propositions, Marketing and Sustainability Director at SSE Energy Solutions, said: “Sustainabili‑T20 brings a different kind of energy to match day – showing how small changes in how we use energy can deliver bigger savings and a better environment.
It’s about making sustainability real for fans – from interactive games to practical tips that they can take away and use every day in their homes and businesses. With Surrey CCC, we’re turning the match day experience into action that cuts carbon, reduces costs and lasts well beyond the game.”
Steve Elworthy, CEO at Surrey CCC, said: “We want to continue our sustainability drive and are committed to advocating for climate action along the way. Having a showcase sustainability-focused match day is a positive way of using our sport to engage with staff, supporters and players to facilitate a conversation about how we all can be more sustainable.
“It is incredibly helpful to have the expertise of our friends at SSE Energy Solutions on this match day, as well as great to see a growing number of brilliant local initiatives join us to engage with spectators in the ground.”
