PRESS RELEASE
Survey Reveals NCAA Athletic Departments are Going Green
For Immediate Release
Falmouth, MA, June 16, 2010 – ProGreenSports today announced the results of its second annual survey of environmental sustainability practices among NCAA athletic departments.
Key decision makers in over 70 large NCAA athletic departments participated in the May, 2010 survey. More than 90 per cent of the survey respondents are Associate or Assistant Athletic Directors of Facilities or Operations, Facilities Managers, or Campus-wide Sustainability Directors from Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools.
The 2010 Athletic Department Sustainability Survey shows that eighty percent of key decision makers in athletic departments have a positive perspective on developing environmental initiatives. Nearly 40 per cent of athletic departments have formed an internal “green team,” almost twice as many as in 2009. Over 35 per cent of the athletic departments have developed or are actively considering developing a sustainability plan with short-and long-term goals. More than 80 per cent of athletic departments expect the emphasis on environmental programs to be increasing in the future.
Mark McSherry, President of ProGreenSports, comments that, “College sports programs are a powerful venue to engage athletes, students, fans and alumni in environmental initiatives. Athletic departments are starting to recognize the leadership opportunity and are looking to implement meaningful and authentic green programs that make good business sense too.”
McSherry points out that the University of Colorado at Boulder has a best-in-class zero waste and energy reduction program at Folsom Field and has attracted significant sponsorship support. He says, “College athletics can leverage their brand and develop a profitable green business model that attracts sponsorship and green advertising while expanding their environmental programs and impact.” McSherry adds that “A green athletic department can be the ideal public face of a university’s overall sustainability program.”
The 2010 NCAA Athletic Department Sustainability Survey reveals detailed information on sustainability initiatives for energy, recycling, water conservation, green building and renovation, and green maintenance. The full Survey Report is available for free on the ProGreenSports web site and includes key findings, trend analysis, survey results and a comparison to green practices among professional sports teams.
Media Contact
Mark McSherry, ProGreenSports
Tel (508) 292-6991
Mark@ProGreenSports.com
www.ProGreenSports.com
About ProGreenSports
ProGreenSports is dedicated to helping sports organizations develop the business potential of environmental sustainability programs. We have conducted the first-ever surveys of sustainability practices among professional sports teams, NCAA athletic departments and sports fans which provides us with unique insights into green practices, trends and business opportunities. Our services include sustainability assessments, fan research surveys, greenhouse gas inventories, and sponsorship planning. We have helped sports teams such as the Philadelphia Phillies improve the business potential of their sustainability programs.