QR Reds urge fans to think green on Saturday
The QR Reds are urging all rugby fans coming to Saturday night's match at Suncorp Stadium to switch off household lights and appliances before they leave home and to catch public transport to the game as a gesture of support for Earth Hour.
The Earth Hour campaign is encouraging people around the world to switch off their lights at 8.30pm local time on Saturday, March 28.
The Reds' Investec Super 14 match against the fourth placed Chiefs kicks off at Suncorp Stadium at 7pm and will be in its final stages at 8.30pm, so rather than finish the game in the dark the Reds are asking fans to match the power used with power saved.
"As a young team we're concerned for the future, so the Reds will be looking to reduce carbon emissions in a number of ways, including switching off all non-essential power at Ballymore for the whole weekend," said Reds’ captain James Horwill.
The Reds’ principal sponsor QR is also supporting the cause by purchasing clean energy credits equivalent to the company’s Australia-wide energy use during Earth Hour.
QR Passenger Executive General Manager Paul Scurrah said:
“It’s not feasible to stop running our electric trains during Earth Hour, but we encourage everyone attending the game to consider travelling by train. By doing so they will reduce their own carbon emissions and QR will ensure they are also offset by the purchase of our clean energy credits.
“Our passengers reduce greenhouse gas emissions every time they choose to travel by train instead of their car.
“Each suburban train keeps about 500 cars off the road, and urban rail is 2.5 times more energy efficient than car transport.
“Leaving your car at home at least one day a week can reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20 per cent.”
Suncorp Stadium is also rallying to the cause. General Manager, Paul Sergeant said:
“Full field lighting is required to stage the QR Reds v Chiefs Super 14 Rugby game.
“And lighting inside and out of the Stadium is necessary to ensure patron safety and that key operational procedures are not compromised.
“However, the Stadium has calculated the amount of power normally used to stage an event and the QR Reds have agreed to purchase clean energy credits as a demonstration of support for this worthwhile cause.”
Horwill listed 10 energy efficiency tips that rugby fans and players can use to offset Saturday's night out at the stadium:
1. Turn off your lights/appliances and catch a bus or QR train to the QR Reds home games at Suncorp Stadium
2. Click onto the earth hour website and register your involvement before the game this weekend - tell your teammates and friends as well
3. Use energy efficient globes in your home, office and club house
4. Get a lift to training with friends and teammates
5. Reuse and recycle your water bottles
6. Turn down or turn off air conditioning
7. Purchase carbon offsets when you next fly with Virgin Blue
8. Have shorter showers. Not only will you save water but also on your hot water bill
9. Use the sun and fresh air to dry your laundry/ rugby gear – It’s free!
10. Buy food that’s good for your body and good for the environment. Buy local and fresh
