Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were seen sporting a green and black jersey on Sunday, April 23 against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their fifth home game of the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League.
RCB are known for their red and black colours but every year, since 2011, they have been wearing a green coloured jersey for one home game as part of their "Go Green" initiative.
What is RCB's 'Go Green' initiative?
These jerseys are made of recycled waste collected at the stadium. It has been reported that their season opener generated 9047.6 kg of waste in the stadium as 19,488 water bottles were used.
After each match held at a stadium, it is estimated that around 8 tons of waste including dry, food, and recyclable waste are generated. To manage this waste efficiently, waste segregation practices have been implemented. This involves collecting and sorting the waste into categories like dry, food, and non-recyclable waste, which are then processed to create recycled products such as shirts and other items.
Together with Good Era, they have created a unique sustainability group called the Green Army, which helps keep the stadium premises clean and promotes sustainability practices.
They have also joined hands with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and have installed over 1400 solar panels on the roof of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium and have opted to go for a green tariff as wind and solar energy will power the stadium during the IPL.
This year, RCB looks to restore two lakes in South Bengaluru covering 44 acres and will also implement a Green School certification programme which will see around 200 schools participate.
What did RCB say about their 'Go Green' initiative?
"RCB is the world's first carbon-neutral cricket team and the foremost cricket franchise in the world rallying behind a people's driven movement for greener planet. 'Go Green' is not just an initiative for us but an aspiring movement to seek behavioural changes, contributing to solving various challenges related to climate change. It transcends beyond cricket and connects fans at a much deeper level, an engagement with a purpose," said Rajesh Menon, VP and Head of Royal Challengers Bangalore, according to a press release.
"As part of our year-long commitment, we will enable and encourage sustainability for the people, of the people, and by the people through a unique fan-driven model of carbon neutrality and rejuvenating and restoring the city lakes which were once the pride of Bangalore city. We also feel we need to begin early in life to start living consciously and therefore Green School is an initiative to involve future generations to be a part of the movement," Menon added.
RCB’s Go Green Initiative match is on the 23rd of April against Rajasthan Royals. 💚
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 18, 2023
Waste segregation, cleaning of lakes, green schools and a vision to offset our carbon footprint, are some of the initiatives RCB has taken up this year. More details soon…#PlayBold #GoGreen pic.twitter.com/gyrZ8xJIDB
How have RCB performed in the Go Green jersey?
RCB have played in the green jersey in 11 matches so far. They have a dismal record wearing green as they have lost seven times and have won on three occasions.
Whereas, their match against Delhi Daredevils in 2015 was washed out due to rain.
In the previous season, they won the "green game" against Sunrisers Hyderabad by 67 runs.
