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London Stadium is on track to become a global leader in environmental sustainability as it begins installing 6,500 square meters of solar membrane panels. This initiative is part of a significant commitment to green energy, supported by a £4.35 million grant from the Mayor of London's Green Finance Fund—a £500 million initiative designed to provide low-cost, flexible financing for public sector projects aiming to reduce carbon footprints and foster London's Net Zero ambitions.
This project will enhance the stadium's infrastructure and significantly decrease its carbon emissions by over 200 tonnes annually while generating sufficient power for all its significant events. Alongside solar membranes, the stadium will see upgrades like LED lighting, advanced chillers and air handling systems, and energy-saving kiosk devices. Furthermore, a proactive campaign will promote energy conservation among the stadium staff.
These upgrades are expected to reduce the stadium's energy usage by 1.9 million kWh by March 2025. Subsequent savings from the solar roof will further reduce consumption by at least 0.8 million kWh and cut electricity costs by 10% to 15%. Overall, from 2022 to 2026, London Stadium will decrease its national grid energy consumption from 11.5 million kWh per year to 8.5 million kWh—a total reduction of 3 million kWh.
The energy produced by the solar panels—approximately 850,000 kWh annually—matches the total energy consumed during the stadium's significant events, which include around 20 football matches, four concerts, two MLB games, and an international athletics meet. This production equates to the carbon offset of 100 transatlantic flights from London to New York City annually.
Ameresco, a leader in cleantech and renewable energy infrastructure, has been selected to install, operate, and maintain the solar panels. The stadium's roof, originally designed by the architecture firm Populous in 2012, is being innovatively adapted to integrate the light-weight thin-film photovoltaic panels. These panels are designed to be fire-compliant while optimising energy generation and minimising roof load. The installation is set to be completed by the summer of 2025, with immediate power generation expected.
The London Stadium is setting a new standard for sustainable sports and concert venues worldwide, supported by strategic funding and innovative technologies. The next application phase for the Mayor's Green Finance Fund will commence on October 22, seeking new projects to continue this momentum.
Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, said: "These solar panels are a game changer for the London Stadium, turning it into one of the world's greenest sports and concert venues and hugely reducing its energy use and running costs. The Mayor's Green Finance Fund offers exciting opportunities to help public sector bodies lower their carbon footprint and become more sustainable, and I encourage organisations to get involved as the next round of funding opens, and we continue to build a greener, fairer London for everyone."
Graham Gilmore, Chief Executive of LS185, said: "We are committed to becoming one of the most sustainable live event venues in the world. This investment means that we can drive down our carbon footprint and become the venue of choice for artists and event owners who are serious about sustainability. This ambitious large-scale investment will reduce our energy costs but, most importantly, our carbon footprint. We are proud to take the lead in tackling climate change and especially pleased to be able to power concerts and other event days from energy generated on-site."
Mark Apsey, MBE, Managing Director of UK Operations at Ameresco, said: "Contributing to London Stadium's legacy and revolutionising its energy infrastructure with state-of-the-art solar technology is an immense honour. The cutting-edge thin film PV solution will generate significant clean energy annually and contribute to a greener future for this iconic venue."
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