Did You Know? From Old Batteries to Football Fields

A stadium can do more than entertain. 

The Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam isn’t just a sports venue; it’s an electricity provider and a pioneer in sustainability, aiming to be “Net Positive” by 2030.

Imagine managing everything with data - from the health of the turf to security deployment, ensuring that everyone has a great time while keeping the planet in mind.

🌱 The secret to their green energy? 4,200 roof-mounted solar panels, wind energy from local turbines, and an innovative energy storage system using 148 Nissan LEAF electric vehicle second-life batteries. This not only powers the stadium but can also supply energy to the neighborhood, creating a circular economy.

🌱 Electric car owners visiting? They can choose to either charge their vehicles or contribute power back to the stadium’s grid.

🌱 Below bright LED lights, the turf thrives, benefiting from the Amsterdam heating network's residual heat to stay frost-free.

🌱 The grass clippings from their electric mowers aren't wasted either. They feed goats at a nearby farm, whose milk makes the renowned ArenA cheese which is proudly served in the stadium’s sky boxes and restaurants.

🌱 Even the cooling system is eco-friendly, utilizing water from a nearby dam to chill dressing rooms and offices.

🌱 Plus, the stadium enhances visitor experiences with real-time smartphone directions, right from their homes to their seats.

🌱 Contributing to the community, the ArenA supports the ‘1,000 jobs for Amsterdam’s South East district’ initiative, providing opportunities for disadvantaged individuals.

This venue redefines the role of modern arenas, extending its impact beyond entertainment to include health, circular, environmental, and social footprints.

So, looking at your own business, what "grass clippings" do you have on hand that could be transformed into valuable "cheese revenue"?