Sustainable grass surfaces

Is it possible to replace today's environmentally damaging artificial turf fields with heated natural grass surfaces for year-round use?

In this project, Lunnarps Bollklubb, in collaboration with Österlenmejeriet, Danone and Skånefrö, carried out a preliminary study that investigated the possibility of replacing artificial turf with natural grass, preferably for year-round sporting activities.

The implementation of the feasibility study included three phases: mapping, cost calculations and financing options, and analysis and conclusions. The mapping looked at capacity needs regarding energy, technical energy solutions, irrigation and lighting technology, nutrient supply systems, and architectural solutions. The cost calculations included contracting for foundations, heating and irrigation systems, and grass beds. The feasibility study, which required collaboration and cooperation with the sports movement, public administration, Research and Development (R&D), and the business community, was finally compiled in a written report.

The feasibility study concludes that it is technically and economically feasible to sustainably replace environmentally damaging artificial turf with natural grass for year-round outdoor and indoor use in a way that meets the grass's requirements. Although the initial investment to create the outdoor model is higher than for artificial turf, this is offset by the elimination of the artificial turf's current high environmental impact, increased risk of injury to players and reduced quality of play.

Furthermore, the feasibility study shows that there are a number of technical alternatives to erect a hall, or a so-called climate shell, over the grass surface to further improve the possibility of using natural grass all year round. By replacing the artificial turf with a natural turf with a safety bed, the risk of pollution of nearby nature and watercourses is completely eliminated.

By utilizing the energy content of wastewater and process water from a nearby industrial facility, the operating and energy costs for heating the natural grass field are largely eliminated and provide a sustainable solution for year-round sports practice. The feasibility study has contributed to financing knowledge and a basis for attracting public and private financiers in the continued work on phase two, i.e. the implementation.

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An innovative and inspiring project whose results, sustainable grass surfaces, can be used at many different types of events and by many different industries. The project can also contribute to a major environmental benefit.