In the modern world, adopting green and sustainable business practices is more important than ever. Consumers are now more aware than ever of their environmental impact and, as a result, are likely to choose which organizations they support based on how sustainable they are. Climate change and its effects are a constant part of the 24-hour news cycle, and many industries are shifting how they do business, including the world of professional sports.
Going green is no longer just a trend but something that all businesses should strive towards. Not only does it help the planet, but adopting sustainable practices can also boost support from consumers and help to increase loyalty and retention. As a result, many sports leagues and organizations are making efforts to be more conscious of their impact on the environment.
Making Use of New Revenue
The sports industry has changed a lot in recent years, especially thanks to the introduction of legal and licensed betting. With sports betting in Virginia and many other states now legal, the industry has benefitted from new revenue sources. Many leagues now earn additional sponsorship revenue, and some fans have called for this to be spent on improving sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
While going green can be a worthwhile investment, the short-term costs can be significant. Thankfully, the sports industry is booming after a difficult few years during the global pandemic. With fans now returning to the stadiums and improved revenues from tickets, sponsorships, and media rights, most sports organizations have little excuse not to focus on improving sustainability.
Sustainable Stadiums
Sports stadiums are perhaps one of the key areas that can be improved for the industry to move towards going green. Stadiums are a significant investment, with the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles costing $5.5 billion to construct.
The construction process itself can be improved to reduce the environmental impact, using recycled and sustainable materials such as hempcrete to reduce the carbon footprint. In addition, modern sports stadiums need to be designed with sustainability in mind. This means incorporating natural ventilation systems, renewable energy sources, and energy-efficient designs.
Sustainable Travel
The sports industry can improve its green credentials by also focusing on improving travel. Currently, sports teams travel all around the country to play games, and this is typically done using private jets. Naturally, there are few alternative options when it comes to traveling long distances in a short space of time. However, teams can focus on offsetting their carbon emissions to help lessen the impact.
In addition, better efforts can be made to improve travel for fans. Introducing better mass transit systems and coaches that help fans travel to the stadium without relying on driving. Carpooling between fans can also be encouraged by introducing initiatives that allow fans to save money on their tickets by transporting other fans.
Athletes as Environmental Advocates
Athletes have a remarkable reach and influence on their fans and can make a real difference by encouraging sustainability. By leveraging their social media presence, athletes can share advice on how to start living more sustainably and show their younger fans that going green is cool. Athletes can work with the organizations they’re a part of to build connections with fans and promote sustainability.
Aside from advocating for change from their fans, athletes can put pressure on their sponsors and organizations too. By refusing to sign deals with companies that don’t follow sustainable business practices, they can encourage change from within the industry and ensure that a growing number of sports organizations are willing to go green.
