Published on 13 - June - 2011

News

Man United star unveils sustainability initiative

Gary Neville has launched his new campaign Sustainability in Sport which seeks to increase awareness of the need for energy efficiency and sustainability in the community.

Speaking at Mitsubishi Electric's sixth annual Partner Conference Mr Neville announced to the hundreds of guests about his new venture which aims to develop commercial models that raise money for grassroots investment in sport and community initiatives using sustainable technologies.

Mitsubishi Electric has been partnering Sustainability in Sport by providing photovoltaic panels that will initially be used to help reduce power consumption and generate income for community sports groups in and around the Manchester area.

Mr Neville, who has just announced his retirement from the game also told delegates of his decision to focus on reducing energy, and gave details about the plans for his new zero carbon home, which has just received planning permission after a 17-month delay. The earth sheltered home will be built near Bolton on the edge of the West Pennine Moors and will become only the 17th certified zero carbon home in the UK.

"I wanted to make a five-year transition to become someone who makes a far lower environmental impact in their life," he explained to the packed conference before taking questions from the audience.

The Mitsubishi Electric conference was held at Old Trafford and after a day of presentations and discussions on the company's approach and product line up, the delegates enjoyed Gary Neville's testimonial match against Juventus, which also saw David Beckham back in his Number 7 United shirt.

"Gary Neville's appearance and his sustainable message perfectly matched our own agenda, which is to reduce the energy needed to keep building occupants comfortable," explained commercial director Donald Daw.

After his presentation and Q&A session, the delegates were photographed pitch-side at Old Trafford with the star, who also donated a signed Manchester United shirt which was auctioned to raise money for victims of the Japanese Tsunami and earthquake.

"We know from feedback that our customers were very impressed with the campaign that Gary Neville has now launched and as a company, we look forward to working with Sustainability in Sport to help increase awareness of the need for energy efficiency" added Mr Daw.

For further details of Gary Neville's Sustainability in Sport visit: www.sustainabilityinsport.com.