New playbook by Green Sports Alliance looks into building sustainable venues

https://www.sportanddev.org/latest/news/new-playbook-green-sports-allian...

According to Green Sports Alliance, there are over 25 new sports and entertainment venues being designed or constructed in the US alone, with 52 major venues built over the past six years.

Additionally, an estimated US$1.5 billion worth of renovation projects have been recently announced. Buildings and construction account for 37% of global energy and process-related carbon emissions and more than 34% of global energy demand. 

The playbook intends to provide a blueprint for the whole sector to take on board, which could ultimately “transform our relationship with the planet.” 

The playbook states that every team, venue and league must make sustainability a strategic business priority.

"The risk of not doing so is simply too great to ignore. By investing in sustainability, sports can play a leading role in our battle against climate change," the playbook added.

"We can protect the future of our industry and communities by seizing opportunities to be more efficient and meaningfully engage our fans, communities and corporate partners."

The playbook resolves around five key points: Green Venues are Good Investments, Commit Early to Excellence, Ensure Maximum Benefit to Communities, Build for Our Future and Measure, and Adapt and Monitor. 

The guide was collaboratively designed by a group who focuses on the benefits of sustainable building design which addresses how design choices and climate considerations can benefit the environment and communities.

It consists of resources and case studies for sports and entertainment industry leaders to adopt in order to create a more sustainable, resilient and responsible ecosystem for future generations of fans, players and operators. 

"Now more than ever, the need to prioritise environmental and human health within our buildings, organizations and communities is abundantly clear,"  said Carlie Bullock-Jones, Green Sports Alliance board member, and founder and principal of EcoWorks Studio. 

"We are at a pivotal moment for the sports industry to be at the forefront of this leadership and accelerating positive change – moving from awareness into action,” Bullock-Jones added.

The playbook can be viewed at the Resource Library of this website.