by Shane Henson — August 16, 2013—With millions of sports fans visiting LEED-certified green sports venues every year, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced a collaboration with the Green Sports Alliance, a nonprofit organization supporting the development and promotion of green building initiatives in professional and collegiate sports.
USGBC says it will support the Green Sports Alliance to accelerate the green sports movement by exploring LEED certification of sports stadiums across the country. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a program operated by the USGBC that provides third-party verification of green buildings. Currently, 25 professional sports venues are LEED certified, including Nationals Park, American Airlines Arena, and Soldier Field, says USGBC. The partnership will also explore additional engagement opportunities such as USGBC’s Green Apple Day of Service, a day for people across the globe to participate in green school service projects.
“Sports fans stepping into LEED-certified arenas, stadiums, ballparks and more experience the benefits of green building firsthand with water conservation, energy efficiency and responsible waste management,” said Rhiannon Jacobsen, director of strategic accounts, USGBC. “It was a natural fit for USGBC to partner with the Green Sports Alliance, which is dedicated to making professional sports healthier and more sustainable.”
