The latest installment from the Green Sports Alliance, titled ‘Play to Zero Playbook, Building for the Next Generation’, spotlights pioneering strategies for the construction and refurbishment of sports and entertainment venues, underpinned by a strong commitment to sustainability.

Green Sports Alliance reports a surge in the development of more than 25 new sports and entertainment venues within the United States alone. Remarkably, the past six years have witnessed the creation of 52 major venues, demonstrating a significant shift towards sustainable infrastructure.

Furthermore, recent announcements unveil an impressive lineup of renovation endeavours, collectively valued at an estimated US$1.5 billion. Given that the realm of buildings and construction is accountable for a substantial 37% of worldwide energy-related carbon emissions and over 34% of global energy consumption, the playbook sets out to offer an encompassing framework for the entire sector to adopt, potentially revolutionizing the human relationship with the planet.

At its core, the playbook underscores the necessity for every team, venue, and league to prioritize sustainability as an integral aspect of their business strategies. Emphasizing the imperative nature of this approach, the playbook aptly warns against the perils of neglecting such a pivotal responsibility. By actively embracing sustainability, the sports industry is poised to assume a leading role in combating climate change, safeguarding both its own future and the welfare of the broader communities it serves.

Central to the playbook’s ethos are five key principles: the sound investment value of Green Venues, the early commitment to achieving excellence, the optimization of benefits to communities, a forward-looking approach to construction, and a focus on measurement, adaptation, and monitoring. The playbook’s development was a collaborative endeavor, uniting experts dedicated to exploring the advantages of sustainable building design. It effectively outlines how conscientious design choices and climate considerations can profoundly benefit the environment and surrounding communities.

Comprising a rich array of resources and case studies, the playbook serves as a guide for leaders in the sports and entertainment industry, offering actionable steps to foster a more sustainable, resilient, and conscientious ecosystem for generations to come—embracing fans, players, and operators alike.

In the words of Carlie Bullock-Jones, a member of the Green Sports Alliance’s board and the founder/principal of EcoWorks Studio, the present juncture underlines the critical importance of prioritizing environmental and human well-being across our structures, institutions, and communities. With the momentum for transformative change within reach, the sports industry is positioned to ascend from awareness to impactful action, spearheading a journey towards positive change.

Read the full article here.

Photo Courtesy Sport & Development

Courtesy Sport & Development