Players, teams and leagues have become increasingly proactive in green initiatives. The benefits to the environment, coupled with long-term financial rewards, have led to a range of changes across the sports industry. From solar paneled stadiums to the use of recycled napkins, organizations are catching on to the evolving phenomenon at all levels. Technological advancements play a pivotal role in the success of these green actions, measuring the impact of such adaptations and tracking the progress of newly implemented practices.
Over the years, the NFL has positioned itself as a prominent advocate of green awareness and action. In 2008, the NFL Green Team was introduced, partnering with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Most recently, the San Francisco 49ers’ new stadium was fitted with a solar paneled terrace spanning nearly 10,000 square feet. This will not only change the face of sustainability among the NFL, but will impact several other sporting entities, since the stadium is anticipated to host national and international soccer games, college football and other major events. This venue is set to open in 2014 and be certified as green under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system.
On a smaller scale, teams like the Indianapolis Colts have phased out traditional playbooks with digital alternatives, taking advantage of technological advancements and cutting out a source of waste. By eliminating these 800 page packs, the team is able to reduce its burden on the environment. Not only have tools emerged over the years to calculate the advantages of switching to renewable energy, but technology has also helped make the transition to green simpler by providing alternatives to common methods like the playbook.
The NFL is not short on teams that implement a variety of efficient practices. The Philadelphia Eagles organization, generating 100% of energy primarily from wind power and other renewable sources, has spent the last ten years growing its sustainability program. The team’s ongoing efforts began in 2003 and continue to expand, with the Lincoln Financial Field currently boasting features such as low-flow bathroom fixtures, recycling and composting. The Eagles go so far as to provide employees incentives for ‘going green’ in their personal lives, a sign of commitment to the cause.
Scott Jenkins, an ambassador for sustainability in sports and chair of the Green Sports Alliance, played a significant role in the Lincoln Financial Field sustainability transition and continues this green initiative in his current role as Vice President of Ballpark Operations for the Seattle Mariners. MLB, like the NFL, has made strides to limit its impact on the environment, going so far as to introduce a data collection system that tracks energy and water use, measures recycling capabilities and captures paper purchasing trends, among other functions.
The Mariners, along with several other participating MLB teams, use the data collection and evaluation tools ranging from office operations to venue expenditure, to account for different sectors of the organization. Between 2006 and 2009, the Mariners were able to cut the use of natural gas and electricity at Safeco Field, by 44% and 17%, respectively, saving in excess of $1 million over that span of time.
Players themselves have taken an active role in spreading awareness of the benefits of going green. Baltimore Orioles outfielder, Chris Dickerson and former MLB pitcher, Jack Cassel, co-founded Players for the Planet in 2008. This non-profit organization aims to not only educate owners, front office, managers and fellow players of the benefits of a green lifestyle, but reaches out to the community. The organization’s website actively engages its readers with monthly tips for repurposing products and hosts events to get the community involved with green projects.
Activists like Dickerson and Cassel, along with teams and leagues can take advantage of tools that measure the impact of going green and assess its effectiveness and areas for improvement. These developments are encouraging and enable people to become more cognizant of the benefits and rewards of dedicating themselves to these initiatives. The NHL, along with MLB began such practices in 2011, implementing league-wide analysis. For leagues and organizations with a less stringent process for assessing such information, there are still steps that can be taken to measure progress, via the NRDC.
The United States Tennis Association, which also collaborates with the NRDC, entered the green landscape in 2008. Introducing water bottle recycling practices along with the use of repurposed paper to print programs are some of the ways the USTA jumpstarted its program, which involved the organization, its employees, and the fans. During its transition to a more sustainability-friendly industry, the USTA has also gone so far as to reuse food grease as biodiesel fuel and recycle used tennis balls in community programs, among other valuable tactics.
The NFL, MLB, NHL, USTA, and a selection of other prominent sports leagues and teams have all taken a proactive stance not only in educating their front office staff, players, coaches, etc. but also their fans and community at large. Involvement from a variety of sources has propelled green initiatives to grow from once rudimentary practices to widespread, large scale projects. The sport industry is strategically and swiftly replacing its long-established tactics with eco-friendly alternatives.
Use of environmentally friendly practices often appear to come with a hefty price tag, which can be discouraging. However, emerging technologies have been able to track the productivity of alternative energy sources and project how sports teams will save money over time. Not only are energy bills and costs of operations significantly reduced, but sports clubs are gaining recognition for their favorable corporate social responsibility actions and service to the community. This has led to the acquisition of new sponsorship deals for many teams, which helps offset the initial splurge to go green and even allows the organization to profit.