The Green Sports Alliance named the College of Education & Human Development’s Center for Sport and Urban Policy one of its 2019 Environmental Innovators of the Year.
This award is given to both individuals and organizations for their tremendous work in the sports greening movement.
The Center for Sport and Urban Policy seeks to enhance public understanding of issues related to sports and environmental sustainability by bridging the gap between academic research and the sports industry. It provided volunteer recruitment services for the Playoff Green program at the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game, where more than 40 students, faculty and staff served as Green Ambassadors to promote sustainable behavior during the game. Additionally, center staff served on several advisory boards, including the Super Bowl Sustainability Advisory Committee, to leave a positive environmental and social legacy from events associated with the NFL’s 2019 Super Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga.
“Collectively, these activities demonstrate the center’s commitment to play an important part in the sports industry’s efforts to encourage meaningful environmental and social change,” said Tim Kellison, CEHD assistant professor and director of the Center for Sport and Urban Policy.
The award presentations are the highlight of the Alliance’s Green Sports Celebration, part of its annual Green Sports Alliance Summit. The awards, now in their eighth year, recognize the best in sports and sustainability. The event is scheduled for June 19, 2019, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and will be coupled with “A Taste of Philadelphia” showcasing innovative concepts in sustainable food and beverage.
The Green Sports Alliance leverages the cultural and market influence of sports to promote healthy, sustainable communities where people live and play. The Alliance inspires professional sports leagues, sports governing bodies, colleges, teams, venues, their partners and millions of fans to embrace renewable energy, healthy food, recycling, water efficiency, safer chemicals and other environmentally preferable practices. Alliance members now number nearly 600 organizations and fans representing 15 leagues in 14 countries. Visit greensportsalliance.org for more information.