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a fully sustainable synthetic pitch at the university campus. Described as the
first of its kind for the sector, the project included the close monitoring of carbon emissions throughout all production and construction activity, while the pitch itself utilises highly sustainable materials.
The carbon-neutral project involved
the refurbishment of an old 3G MUGA facility on campus. The MUGA’s existing shock pad system, turf and infill, were uplifted and recycled. A new SIS Turf Xtreme 45mm synthetic turf system and a recycled prefabricated shock pad were then installed. Most significantly, a 100% high- performance organic infill was introduced, to complete the innovative build.
The organic infill is made from a species of pine that is harvested and replanted in continuous cycles. The specially engineered wood particles are extensively tested
and undergo an 11-step conditioning process to remove any splinters or dust. The infill can be used for the entire life duration of the pitch. To further boost the infill material’s sustainability, once it has reached the end of its useful life, it can
be returned to earth as a soil amendment for natural turf fields, lawns, gardens,
golf fairways, or as a landscape mulch.
The synthetic turf installed was designed and manufactured at the SIS Pitches factory based in the UK and the recycled shock pad was locally
sourced, which allowed SIS Pitches to reduce transport impacts significantly. SIS Pitches, which recently secured B Corp certification, will collate feedback from users of the facility to understand how the turf performs day-to-day. This
will allow SIS Pitches to continue to test the boundaries of the industry and assist the journey to Net Zero in 2026.
Mark Davies, Sports Capital Strategy and Maintenance Manager, Loughborough Sport, said:
“By working together with SIS Pitches we’re helping inform the sector in terms of how a fully sustainable pitch operates and functions in a multi-use setting. The new install also aligns with the wider University strategy on sustainability and we’re happy to be making positive steps in this space.
“We’re all looking forward to the feedback from students who will be using the pitch over the coming months.”
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The fully sustainable pitch is carbon neutral
CASE STUDY 1
SIS Pitches
Loughborough University
SIS Pitches partners with Loughborough University for “100% sustainable” pitch
SIS Pitches and Loughborough
University have collaborated to create