Sustainable Sports - Can It Happen?
Athletic organizations are starting to take initiative to implement sustainable practices to lessen the environmental impact of sporting events and arenas. With help from the United Nations Environment Program and additional groups, these organizations are now taking responsibility for their impact by participating in the process of becoming carbon neutral.
There are now more than 30 sports venues worldwide which have been awarded LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, with the expectation that all venues will eventually become carbon neutral. With major progress being taken, sporting organizations are demonstrating that it is possible to commit to sustainability and reform industry practices for the good of the environment.
Transforming Sporting Arenas
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that sporting arenas focus on sustainable materials management by implementing changes to lighting and air conditioning systems, changing food production and distribution practices and ensuring proper recycling and reuse of all products. While these are important aspects to consider, some arenas are taking their sustainability efforts even further.
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta holds one of the highest LEED ratings of all sporting venues, and was the first to achieve a platinum rating in the U.S. This arena was built with sustainability in mind, focusing on proper water, waste and energy management and conservation. The stadium has partnered with Second Helpings Atlanta to donate unused food to prevent food waste, with more than 131,875 meals being donated to the surrounding community. The stadium achieved an 88 out of a possible 110 LEED points, and is still working today to lessen energy consumption and implement new sustainable practices.
Sports for Climate Action Campaign
In 2018 the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change partnered with the International Olympic Committee to launch the new Sports for Climate Action Framework. The initiative is looking to reduce the environmental impact of sporting events and encourage viewers to be more climate mindful. More than 80 organizations have signed on to join the initiative, committing to the framework's 5 principles:
Undertake systematic efforts to promote greater environmental responsibility.
Reduce overall climate impact.
Educate for climate action.
Promote sustainable and responsible consumption.
Advocate for climate action through communication
The initiative aims for these organizations to take the lead on reforming their sporting practices so that they may be more climate friendly. The two leading organizations are aiming to expand participation in the program with the hope that organizations joining the movement will help raise awareness in their community about climate change and its effects.
In the Future
Genuine efforts are being taken in the sporting community to reform practices in light of the climate crisis. While the environmental impact of sports is a topic not usually considered, the progress being made is helping with worldwide efforts to limit the increase in global temperatures. With continued widespread participation in the Sports for Climate Action, the LEED certification system and the UN sustainable development goals, sporting industries will be able to operate in a climate mindful manner.
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