Collegiate Game Changers Study Acknowledges Green Sports
SEATTLE — A new study from the National Resources Defense Council recognizes universities that place focus on green practices in their athletic programs.
The Collegiate Game Changers study presents 10 case studies of universities that are leading the way to create more environmentally sustainable practices as well as green facilities. Among the universities recognized are The University of Washington and the $250 million renovation of the school’s Husky Stadium.
Designed by 360 Architecture, with offices in San Francisco, the 72,500- seat stadium is seeking LEED Silver certification. The stadium reopened in time for the 2013 fall football season.
“Husky Stadium is integrating resource-efficient features with multiuse design that ensures the building will be used year-round,” said Chris deVolder, project manager with 360 Architecture. “One of the keys to the success was including athletics operations in the design process from the beginning and engaging local resources. This includes reaching out past the edge of the stadium, working with the university and local transit authorities to design a bike parking system that accommodates day-to-day use as well as expanding to accommodate game-day use.”
Some green practices utilized at the stadium include 100 percent recyclable and compostable service ware and fan engagement programs to promote sustainability. Additionally, approximately 95 percent of construction waste from the project was diverted from landfill; locally sourced steel, wood and stone were used in the renovation; an advanced energy management system is being utilized and the stadium uses LED lighting.
The university’s athletics department also received a $3,500 grant from the GLAD One Bag College Waste Diversion Grant program in order to enhance waste management practices. The athletic department used those funds to hire Milepost Consulting to advise the department on operational efficiency and goal setting.
Driven by student demand, Husky Stadium is trailblazing green practices in university sports.
“Students are now coming into college not asking about sustainability performance, but demanding it. It’s becoming part of how they decide where to go to school,” deVolder said. “Nationwide, we’re really just starting to scratch the surface of sustainability performance with collegiate sports, and Husky Stadium is helping to lead the way.”
Other schools recognized for greening their campus sports include the University of Colorado Boulder, University of North Texas, Ohio State University, University of Florida, Arizona State University, University of Oregon, University of Minnesota, University of Arizona and Yale University.