Utilita announces new ground-breaking sustainability partnership
We are pleased to announce the launch of a ground-breaking sustainability partnership with Southampton Football Club.
As part of our ambitious plans to become a net zero business by 2030, Utilita will be installing two wind turbines behind the home goal at St Mary’s Stadium. The 50ft structures will also help the club improve its environmental impact.
The turbines, which will be in place for the start of the 2021/22 season, will carry additional VAR camera points, meaning an end to controversial calls against the Saints – something that has cost Raplh Hasenhüttl and his players on more than one occasion this season.
Utilita will not have any branding on the structures. Instead, for a charitable donation, the St Mary’s faithful will be given the opportunity to have a selfie printed on the huge carbon fibre blades which are under construction at the Pollof Air factory in Nantes, France.
Explaining the reasoning behind the partnership, Utilita’s CEO, Bill Bullen, says: “Studies have identified St Mary’s Stadium as one of the areas in Southampton most at risk if sea levels rise by a further 6-8cm. We can’t let this happen. That’s why it’s the perfect time to launch this initiative, and I hope other clubs follow Saints’ lead.”
He added: “This is not about PR for us. It’s about making a lasting difference by reducing climate change. Plus, I can’t wait to see fan selfies on the blades. You never know, seeing the faces of home supporters go round and round on a blustery day might even put off opposition attackers by sending them into a spin!”
Echoing Mr Bullen’s comments, a Saints spokesperson added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Utilita on this project. We take climate change very seriously and want to be playing at St Mary’s 100 years from now. The turbine installation is just the start for us; next season we also plan to trial synthetic solar panels on academy players’ shirts.”
If the turbines prove a hit with Saints fans, Utilita intends to roll out the initiative across its remaining partner clubs.