St Marys’ $6 Million Commitment to Solar, the Community & the Environment

A $6 million-plus investment in harvesting and utilising solar power will see Saints become a club industry and business leader in harnessing efficient, renewable and cost-saving energy. 

“We know how important sustainability and reducing the Club’s impact on the environment is to our members and the community. That’s why the Club’s Board has made this commitment and investment to environmental sustainability as a fundamental aspect of our operations,” St Marys Rugby League Club CEO Rod Desborough said. 

Stage 1 incorporated 820 solar panels installed on the Club’s roof generating 451kw of solar power. Stage 1 took three months to install and was completed and commissioned on 1 February 2024 with the Club extremely pleased with the results. 

Stage 2 will incorporate 1,220 solar panels installed on carpark canopies providing 672kw of solar energy, and 225 undercover car spaces. DA approval has been received with work to commence in July this year. Coupled with the 451kw solar panels already installed across the Club’s roof, the two systems will be able to power the entire Club during daylight hours. 

The carpark canopy design will provide shade for vehicles across three distinct areas of the Club’s car park; reducing radiant ground heat; harnessing solar energy and contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for the Club and our community. 

“Our Environmental Sustainability Strategy and commitment to utilising solar will bring immediate benefits to the community, the environment and Club operations,” Mr Desborough said. 

“We need to measure, manage, and reduce the Club’s impact on the environment. 

“Using renewable solar energy will help make club operations more self-sufficient, reduce greenhouse emissions and be an immediate cost saving for the club, which can pour investment into other customer service areas as well as junior league development.” 

Mr Desborough explained this second stage canopy project, costing $5.44million, is also managed by FDC Building. 

According to the EIS (environmental impact statement) this work, being undertaken with minimal disturbance, results in a more sustainable operation at St Marys Rugby League Club, reducing reliance on energy that produces greenhouse gas emissions. 

The solar commitment is the crowning jewel of Saints’ Sustainability Strategy supporting the many other initiatives already in place including water harvesting, glass and paper recycling, installation of LED lighting throughout the Club, the carpark and the Stadium, food waste, building management systems to control lighting and air conditioning to name a few. 

To view Saints Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Environmental Social Governance Policy, go to stmarysleagues.com.au/environmental-social-governance-esg-policy.