Page 33 - RFU Annual Report 2018

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CORPORATE
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

1

A client forum, hosted at Twickenham Contractors working on the East Stand On St George’s Day and the 100th
Stadium, saw a visit from IPF and development installed a green wall anniversary of the death of Arthur
RFU Patron, the Duke of Sussex, who around St Stephen’s School on the A316 Harrison, being among the 27 England
saw first-hand some of the Engage to improve air quality and reduce effects international players who died in World
activities and heard from clients how of traffic pollution. They also provided War I and England Rugby’s only VC, a
beneficial they were. Clients spent time an outdoor classroom designed by group from the RFU went to Belgium to
giving feedback on the charity’s work pupils at the stadium’s neighbouring mark their sacrifice.
and learning how they can be further Chase Bridge School.
supported. The RFU’s Great War Ambassador and
Specialist staff also visit many of the former England captain, Lewis Moody,
RFU’s grassroots clubs encouraging was alongside RFU President John
them to fulfil their environmental Spencer when laying wreaths at the
responsibilities and advising Menin Gate last post ceremony and
on reducing their impact on the recited the Ode of Remembrance for the
environment. entire crowd.
During the year, the Union’s Rugby Descendants of fallen England players
Energy Club won the inaugural Sports were in the visiting group and, with
Industry Award for Sustainability the help of CWGC, there was a visit to
Initiative of the Year and the club the grave of England captain Ronald
continues to provide low cost options for Poulton Palmer who played his final
Environmental responsibility clubs to use less energy. Twickenham game of rugby in Flanders, before
The RFU aims to be an environmentally Stadium also has accreditation of being killed by a sniper. Soil from the
responsible organisation. The Union’s sustainability from the BSI International Twickenham pitch was placed near
Ethical Sourcing Policy seeks to ensure Safety Organisation. The East Stand his headstone by Lewis Moody. Two
that companies traded with are socially development included renewable energy other former England captains, John
and financially appropriate by carrying generation and a 2,500m2 solar array Spencer and World Rugby Chairman
out background checks on all suppliers. which will help the RFU to reach its Bill Beaumont, then took soil from the
sustainability objectives. grave to bury beside the Twickenham
In order to reduce the environmental pitch on 5th May, the anniversary of
impact of Twickenham Stadium, Disabled seating Ronnie’s death and the day of the Army
recycling is also a priority, with average At least 4oo seats are available at Navy match.
match day recycling at Twickenham Twickenham Stadium for disabled
Stadium up to 65% and a continuing supporters and their personal assistants, The RFU are signatories of the Armed
commitment of zero to landfill, with with accessible parking provided where Forces Corporate Covenant and
glass and food waste recycling in all required. servicemen and women feature in
event day hospitality areas. match day activities. The Armed Forces
Great War commemorations receive an allocation of tickets for every
Use of reusable plastic cups supports A four-year programme has been England international at Twickenham
the London Borough of Richmond upon commemorating the 100th anniversary Stadium. In addition, where possible the
Thames’ campaign against single-use of World War I through remembering, RFU makes tickets available to guests
plastics. educating and fundraising. from the Help for Heroes Rehabilitation
Centre and The Royal Hospital, Chelsea.
Astroturf and asphalt alongside the Each year has seen a Military Charity
Duke of Northumberland’s river on Partner, with the Commonwealth War
the west side of the stadium has been Graves Commission (CWGC) the
replaced by natural grass as part of partner for their centenary in 2017 and
the Union’s commitment to the green Royal British Legion partnering for 2018.
corridor locally. The commemorations will conclude on
the weekend of 10th November 2018
The RFU has also been supporting when England play New Zealand on the
gardening projects around the Borough, 100th anniversary of the Armistice.
in conjunction with the local authority
and Metropolitan Police, to green up
local land and encourage young and old
to take up gardening and learn about
plants.

Annual
Report
2018