The University of Bath has opened what is called the first sustainable synthetic turf field in England. All components that constitute a synthetic turf system, are fully recyclable. Planning for the field started as far back as 2005.
The university campus is located on the outskirts of Bath, within the western fringe of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB). The campus and construction site is within the World Heritage Site, and a conservation area lies to the immediate east of the campus. All of these matters were carefully considered and addressed in the scheme proposals through the design of the pitch layout, lighting specification and mitigation, the retention of the boundary vegetation, and the provision of landscaped buffers.
The University committed to achieving a 10% biodiversity net gain through the implementation of a comprehensive landscape and ecology scheme which responds to the Landscape Ecological Management Plan for the campus and the Management Strategy for the wider Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The boundary vegetation has been maintained and a wide landscaped buffer provided with significant new native shrub and tree planting and areas of enhanced grassland. The landscape enhancements ensure that the scheme sensitively responds to the application site’s landscape setting, enhances foraging and commuting habitats for bats, and delivers biodiversity enhancements.
Fully recyclable
Verde Recreo has installed a Polytan Ligaturf Cross R on an expanded polypropylene (EPP) shock pad from Brock. The field has been finished with Brockfill performance infill. “All components are fully recyclable,” company director Jonathan Bland points out. “The backing and fibres are all made of polyethylene. Instead of latex, the rug has been finished with a glue made of the same type of polymer. This will allow for the entire carpet to be processed when recycled.” The same applies to the shock pad. “The shock pad is cradle-to-cradle, as it can be fully reclaimed and recycled. The reclaimed material can be used to produce a new shock pad.” The shock pad should last at least two artificial turf carpet replacements. This is specified in the European Norm 15330-4 for shock pads.
Organic infill
The field has been finished with Brockfill, a performance infill from engineered wood-particles. “When we submitted the plans in 2020, this infill was the most tried and tested organic infill available other than cork. The latter is not suitable for our wet climate. Heavy rainfall will make it float, and the wet or damp conditions most fields experience for up to eight months a year would make the material rot.”
A 4m wooden fence along the field significantly reduces light spill to protect bats in the neighbouring countryside.
The field is FIFA, World Rugby and Sport England compliant.
The development of sustainable facilities is a fundamental part of the University of Bath’s commitment to sustainability and tackling climate change.
Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath, said: “The addition of this new recyclable 3G pitch supports our world-class sporting facilities, and will create enhanced opportunities for our students, staff and the community to take part in sport and be active at the Team Bath Sports Training Village.
“By bringing together a range of materials, technologies and design measures selected to reduce its impact on local wildlife, the environment and over its lifetime through end-of-life recyclability, the pitch is a fantastic illustration of our profound focus on sustainability at the University of Bath.”
Director Jonathan Bland said: “We are incredibly proud to have worked in partnership with the University of Bath to provide this vital facility, which will help develop the next generation of athletes. It’s been a real team effort to gain planning permission and bring the project to fruition. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this facility will have on our community.”