The sports industry has the ability to impact and influence our communities and many sports organizations are evaluating their environmental impacts. One way the industry is changing is through the promotion of healthy and sustainable communities. In today’s world of sports, managers must be aware of all components of their organization, including their ability to impact and influence our communities.

University of Florida/IFAS Extension Sarasota County and the UF College of Health and Human Performance realize this, and the university has developed coursework for its Online Master’s in Sports Management program. Now in its third year, Sustainability and Sports (SPM6905) continues to be a leading course offering within a land grant university’s sports management program.

The education is focused on integrating major concepts in environmental sustainability such as renewable energy, water conservation, recycling and social responsibility, and apply it to the sports industry. Through case studies, in-class discussions and practical exercises, students gain an understanding of the components of a successful sustainability program and learn how they can collaborate to solve important environmental issues impacting the sports industry today.

The Green Program

Curriculum

The program has developed curriculum for the University of Florida’s Sports Management. Focusing on a curriculum integrating major concepts in environmental sustainability.

• Environmental Sports Management / Sustainability in Sports

Student Internship Program

UF/IFAS created a new UF internship program that allows for multiple students to assist with sports related sustainability projects.

Green Sports Webinar Series

• Webinar 1: Sustainability in Sports
• Webinar 2: Global Sports and Sustainability
• Webinar 3: Environmental Impacts of Sporting Events

Event Composting

UF/IFAS partnered with Sarasota County to create a composting program with the goal of reducing landfill and environmental impacts at rowing events hosted at Nathan Benderson Rowing Facility. Collecting food waste and compostable material is not new to sporting events, however what is unique about the program is that the materials collected are being processed within the park. The closed-loop collection project allows for composted material to be reused and reduce costs and environmental impacts.

• NCAA Women’s Divisions I, II, & III Rowing National Championships
• Florida SWEEPS High School Championships
• US Rowing National Championships
• World Rowing &World Masters Championships

Sports Industry Partnerships

Successful programs are not without community and industry partners. UF/IFAS works closely with sports franchises and leagues, at both the collegiate and professional levels, to educate about environmental programs.

• Collegiate Sports Sustainability
  • • University of Florida Athletic Department & Sustainability
    • Seattle University
    • The Ohio State University
    • University of Colorado Boulder

• NCAA Sports
  • Rowing Division I, II & III
  • Women’s Basketball Final Four

• Major League Baseball
  • • Grapefruit League Spring Training
    • Baltimore Orioles
    • Atlanta Braves

• National Hockey League
  • • Amalie Arena
    • Tampa Bay Lightning

• Green Sports Alliance
• NASCAR Green
• U.S. Open Tennis Sustainability
• National Football League
  • • Mercedes Benz Stadium (ATL)
    • NFL Green

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