Desert Vipers

In the blog last week we talked about the importance of carbon emissions measurement. In follow up this week in our first first guest blog, we hand over to the experts from Carbon Happy World to provide their own view on the exercise that we went through together. Ben Hardy-Jones provides the Dubai Sustainability Spotlight, detailing his experience with Ethara at the Formula 1 Etihad Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Karan Ravishankar at Carbon Happy World:

In an era where corporate responsibility towards the planet has become a prerequisite to doing business across geographies, understanding and mitigating the carbon footprint of business entities has become a critical first step. Here we share our experience of measuring the Desert Vipers carbon footprint, shedding light on the challenges faced during the process, particularly in the sourcing of accurate data and working with stakeholders, both internal and external. Desert Vipers, like any other entity, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions through their operational activities in Dubai and elsewhere. Measuring their carbon footprint is a crucial first step towards adopting sustainable practices, reducing environmental impact, and fostering a commitment to corporate responsibility.

Some of the main challenges we faced when we took on this project:

• Supply Chain Complexity: Desert Vipers' operations are intertwined with a complex supply chain involving various suppliers and vendors spread across many geographies. Obtaining precise data from each link in the chain was a formidable task. Engaging with suppliers and convincing them to disclose detailed information about their processes was a crucial but challenging step. Building trust with Desert Vipers’ suppliers and showing them a seriousness of purpose became necessary to engage with them. A lot of the data needed to calculate the Desert Vipers’ carbon footprint is not something our suppliers are used to sharing, and in many instances are not very sure where to source from.
  
  
• Data Granularity: Accurate carbon footprint measurement requires granular data, often at the level of individual processes and activities, and from multiple sources. Obtaining such detailed information proved to be a time-consuming process, as many suppliers did not have the necessary tools or systems in place to track and report their environmental impact accurately.
  
  
• Urgency and Cooperation: Reacting with urgency to data requests was another key aspect of the process. Engaging with suppliers and vendors necessitated a delicate balance between obtaining the required information promptly and maintaining positive relationships. The urgency was driven by the need for real-time data to assess the current state of Desert Vipers' environmental impact.

What helped us overcome these challenges:

• Transparent Communication: Establishing transparent communication channels with suppliers and internally within Desert Vipers was vital. We emphasised the importance of the carbon footprint measurement initiative and how it aligned with broader sustainability and commercial goals. This open dialogue facilitated a more cooperative atmosphere and increased the willingness of suppliers to share critical data.
  
  
• Supporting Suppliers: Recognising that not all suppliers may have the necessary tools or expertise to measure and report their environmental impact, Desert Vipers offered support and resources. This included guidance on adopting sustainable practices, providing tools or methods for data collection, and collaborating on solutions to overcome challenges. An example of that was working with the Desert Vipers’ kit manufacturer to get specific data around quantities, weight, material combinations used, and shipment details for everything they supplied for Season One of ILT20. What seemed like a mammoth task at the time has now become a standard practice for our supplier going into Season Two.
  
  
• Investing in Technology: To address data granularity issues, Desert Vipers invested in technologies that could track and measure environmental impact at a detailed level. Specifically, they utilised the Carbon Happy World Tracker® to track, measure, and report their footprint across all business activities. This improved the accuracy of their carbon footprint assessment and empowered suppliers with tools to monitor and improve their sustainability practices.
  
  

• Building a Cooperative Atmosphere: One of the most underrated aspects of work in sustainability is the level of collaboration and cooperation required. Creating buy-in from internal and external stakeholders becomes crucial if you want them all to share the same urgency as you. Creating ownership and taking the time out to discuss the impact of the carbon footprinting work being done by Desert Vipers was something that helped set an ethos of cooperation amongst every stakeholder and strengthened relationships. Integrating sustainability to work being done across domains within the organisation is a challenge when staff view it as a barrier to the work they are undertaking rather than something that complements what they are doing. Changing that narrative internally by taking the time out to educate and engage with staff, coaches, and players has been something that the Desert Vipers takes extremely seriously and is something that will need to be continued into the future.
  
  Conclusion
  
  As I wrap this piece up, I would like to double down on how sports and sustainability make a winning combination. This process is complex, but it’s more than just about data. It is about people, passion, and a shared commitment to environmental stewardship. As the world of sports continues to embrace environmental responsibility, the Desert Vipers stand as a shining example of how a cricket franchise can be a game changer on and off the pitch. As businesses worldwide embark on similar journeys, the lessons learned from this unique perspective underscore the transformative power of collaboration, transparency, and technological innovation in the pursuit of a greener, more sustainable future.

(Editors note: Kind words Karan - we learnt so much from you guys during the process, and we are only just getting started. There are other sports organisations that are further along their own sustainability journeys than the Desert Vipers. Hopefully by sharing our own experiences we can be helpful to our peers whatever stage they may be in addressing this challenge, which is so important to sport’s future. We only win if we all win…)

• Dubai Sustainability Spotlight – Ethara:https://ethara.com/
  
• In late November, Desert Vipers’ Sustainability Manager, Ben Hardy-Jones, had the privilege of observing the sustainability audit at the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit. The event is managed by Ethara, who formed through the integration of Flash Entertainment and Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM). Attending this Grand Prix was incredibly important in learning about how an established sporting event in the UAE can be run successfully AND with an emphasis on sustainability, with the race now in its 15th year. The ADMM group are also the only other signatory to the UN Sports For Climate Action Framework in the entire UAE, so it was fantastic to touch base with Ethara, who have taken over the ADMM group.
  
• Some of the key positive findings from the event were:
  
• 1. Upcycling of materials

The F1 event has lots of areas for eating/drinking/relaxing. These areas were constructed using upcycled materials. For example, old oil barrels or tyres were used as the legs of tables, last year’s benches were used, but painted a different colour, and unused wooden pallets were turned into seating. This reduced the amount of materials needed for the event! Some of the artwork around the circuit was made from upcycled materials: for instance, a prancing horse was constructed from old car tyres (see photo).

• 2. Water

A staggering 4 billion (yes, you read that right!) plastic bottles are consumed in the UAE each year. The circuit took steps to address this issue: they had water refill stations positioned throughout the circuit, including in hospitality areas. For those fans who didn’t bring a reusable water bottle to the circuit and so needed to buy one, the options available were plant-based plastic bottles, or 100% recycled plastic bottles. Both options are vastly better for the environment than virgin plastic, so well done to the team for providing those options!

• 3. Working with local suppliers

Following the water theme, there were plentiful recycling facilities around the circuit. One option was to put plastic waste in bins for a local company called DGrade, who take that plastic and upcycle it into clothing, for both general sale and uniform for the circuit staff. This is an excellent example of a more circular economy! There were several dozen acts performing across the venue, and all of these acts live locally, to reduce the emissions from transport to the event, and support the local arts.

• A special thank you to the team at Ethara; in particular Syrel Acuesta, and their external consultant, Dr. Arouge Agha, for the invitation to the weekend! It was an invaluable learning opportunity, and hopefully forms the start of an opportunity for mutually advancing sustainability in sport within the UAE and beyond.