Sports taking the LEED
Opening Day has recently passed, and we’re now full swing (pun intended?) into Major League Baseball (MLB) season! We love to point out brands and markets that carry the torch for sustainability. And now that it’s baseball season, why not give a shout out to the great American pastime?
According to a U.S. Department of Energy study, 53% of professional sports teams in the U.S. are pursuing sustainability through energy efficient programs. And over 30% of those are utilizing renewable resources.
Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals, now uses 15% less energy than other MLB stadiums, due to achieving LEED certification.
Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, has saved 20% in energy due to initiatives launched in 2008.
Safeco Field of the Seattle Mariners has made over a million in energy and water savings.
Ohio’s own Cincinnati Reds was one of the first MLB teams to partner with ENERGY STAR. Since then, the Great American Ballpark — home to the Reds — has performed at a rate 27% better than the national average for entertainment buildings.
And, Ohio’s Cleveland Indians have been dedicatedly pursuing sustainability — and especially recycling — since initiatives begun in 2008. They have recycled 230 tons of waste, diverting 46% from what would have otherwise gone to landfills.
No matter who you cheer for (or even if baseball isn’t your thing), we can all come together beneath the banner of sustainability.
Sounds like a home run to me!
