The NFL has been announced as a league member of the Green Sports Alliance, which will see the sporting organization pledge its eco and sustainability efforts through its Environment Program.
The NFL is one of the biggest sports on the planet and with each game-day and new stadium-build comes large-scale impact on the environment. The league has been making in-roads for a more sustainable approach and making greener events since Super Bowl XXVIII in Atlanta in 1994 where it piloted a recycling program – the first environmental initiative at a major sporting event.
Since then, it has introduced projects such as the use of green energy at events, the collection and donation of books and sports equipment, public e-waste recycling events, community forestry program that has left a permanent green legacy in every Super Bowl host community since 2004.
The Green Sports Alliance, which influences professional sports leagues and governing bodies, teams and their fans to adopt environmentally friendly operation and action, has said it will support all the NFL’s efforts.
“The Green Sports Alliance is delighted to have the NFL join our mission to support healthier, more sustainable communities where we live and play,” said Justin Zeulner, executive director of the Green Sports Alliance. “Several NFL teams and venues have been members of our organization for many years and we’re thrilled that the NFL, as a league, is formally pledging its commitment to the environment by joining the sports greening movement and our impressive membership base. Together we have the opportunity to inspire and educate millions of fans around environmental stewardship and engagement.”
The Atlanta Falcons’ new Mercedes-Benz Stadium is an example of the new trend in eco-awareness in new stadia after it became the first professional sports stadium to earn LEED Platinum certification – the highest possible sustainable rating. Its general manager, Scott Jenkins, is also chair of the Green Sports Alliance.
“Professional sports organizations compete in many areas,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility, “But sustainability is one area where the interests of all organizations converge. Protecting our shared environment and preserving it for future generations is a common goal that we all can support and upon which we can cooperate and share resources and best practices.”
June 20, 2018
