Professional Sport

Professional sport tends to be characterized by a series of short events confined to one sport. Given their duration, it is remarkable how much of an impact one such event can have on the environment, let alone a series or entire season of such events. The impact of a professional sports event tends to be confined mostly to the facility in which it is held or its near vicinity. It is therefore at this facility and on its grounds and neighbouring streets that the professional sports organization, its governing body and the facilities operator should be looking to implement solutions.

Both the professional sports organization or franchise and its governing body must first recognize their connection to the community which supports them. A team which relies almost entirely on community support must nurture that relationship and acknowledge its responsibilities to its supporters. Those supporters include both the active "fan" and the taxpayer who allows municipal facilities and even funds to be used by the team. Where the professional organization contributes to smog, traffic congestion, solid waste, noise, energy demands, sewage volume, etc., it has a responsibility to contribute to solving these same problems.

By building sustainable thinking into its operations, the professional sports organization can take advantage of both the short- and long-term savings available. Unlike one-time events, most sports teams and facilities will be around long enough to benefit directly from the savings that eventually accrue from their investments in greener systems and technologies.

Given the high profile enjoyed and encouraged by professional sport over a prolonged period, an opportunistic organization committed to sustainability can legitimately develop a positive image for itself. Companies that are seen as caring and committed to their community, not to mention the planet, will enjoy a big leg up in the sports marketing game. That reputation can be enhanced even further by work with the community on joint initiatives and education campaigns and by supporting local groups in their environmental work.

Your professional sports organizations or facility should consider:

• environmental management (as above)
• "Green Office" practices
• purchasing: establishing criteria and partnerships with suppliers
• partnerships with stakeholders, especially concerned community groups
• partnerships with sponsors
• material and waste management
  • reducing the vast quantities of waste generated by spectators
• transportation
  • improving accessibility by public transport
  • reducing traffic congestion, pollution and noise
  • discouraging private vehicle dependence
• facilities construction and operation
  • building design, equipment and materials
  • tendering for supplies and services
  • energy and water conservation
  • indoor air quality
• food services
• ceremonies and entertainment
• green travel and tourism opportunities and partnerships

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Green & Gold Inc., 99 Seneca Street, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 4X8
tel: (613) 730-0870 fax: (613) 730-0247
E-mail: david@greengold.on.ca