ECB bowled over by Wolseley’s Sustainable Building Center

ECB managing director of cricket partnerships Mike Gatting (front) with Build Center regional trading director David Young

ECBtv spoke to Build Center regional trading director David Young and Bruce Cruse, ECB national funding and facilities manager, about the issues facing cricket moving into the 21st century and some possible solutions - watch the video now

ECB's Mike Gatting was among the 100-plus representatives from cricket to visit Wolseley’s Sustainable Building Center (SBC) in Leamington Spa - as the game examines how sustainable products and renewable technologies could benefit the sport.

Gatting and other executives from ECB attended a conference at the SBC, a £3.2m showcase of the latest products and technologies, where award-winning architect David Morley was one of the key speakers. The following day, the Center hosted around 80 representatives from cricket clubs across the country.

Gatting, ECB managing director of cricket partnerships, said: "The presentations and tour were very thought provoking and gave a real insight into how sustainability and energy efficient products can be used practically in both new build and refurbishment projects in cricket clubs."

Bruce Cruse, ECB national funding and facilities manager, added: "It was very beneficial to gain a greater understanding on the range of products which are straightforward to retro-fit and greatly improve energy efficiency. This would help save clubs’ running costs and enable them to invest more money in the development of their teams."

The visit follows the recent news that Wolseley’s construction materials distributor Build Center has signed up as an official supporter of NatWest CricketForce 2009. This nationwide ECB event encourages cricket supporters, their friends and families to volunteer to undertake major renovations to their local clubhouse and grounds.

NatWest CricketForce grows year on year and the 2008 event involved approximately 85,000 volunteers making improvements to more than 1,350 registered cricket clubs across England and Wales.

With Build Center’s extensive geographical coverage, cricket clubs across the country will be able to take advantage of discounted product ranges from its branches throughout the year.