The University of Florida Athletic Association has a commitment to sustainability that extends from our operations to the culture of the Gator Nation. There are numerous ways we are working to achieve our sustainability goals; reducing our impact on the environment, giving back to our community, and instilling the value of sustainability into what it means to be a Gator fan.
What is carbon neutrality? Carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced when fossil fuels, like coal and gas, are used for transportation or energy production. As CO2 builds in our atmosphere it acts as a greenhouse gas, trapping heat which affects the Earth’s temperature and contributes to climate change. One way to help mitigate the effects of CO2 and other greenhouse gasses is to offset emissions through intentional efforts to reduce emissions or capture CO2. For more information check out this UF/IFAS fact sheet.
Energy and Climate Change
Just as Gators show leadership on the field and court, we were the first athletic program in the country to be carbon neutral, part of UF’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2025. The UAA, in partnership with the UF Office of Sustainability and Neutral Gator, an initiative of the nonprofit Earth Givers, LLC, began by offsetting Gator football in 2008, followed by a renewed and expanded commitment that offset all athletic activities (operation of facilities and team travel) for 2009-2011 seasons. In addition to setting the bar for collegiate athletic programs, these offsets are unique because they are all generated locally, benefitting our community and the state of Florida.
Zero Waste
Recycling - Athletic venues across campus provide recycling bins for fans, and all cans bottles and souvenir cups sold at concession stands are recyclable items. Recycling bins were added to the football stadium in 2009, helping to divert waste from the landfill. These infrastructure additions are part of UF’s commitment to be zero waste by 2015.
Waste Reduction - The UF Office of Sustainability is currently working on a composting solution for organic waste (food and food wrappers/containers). As part of this, the UAA has been transitioning to compostable items for many concession wares and catered spaces. Fans can now find biodegradable cups for ice, straws, food wrappers, baskets, plates and flatware throughout the stadium and other venues. Additionally, all leftover food from the Boosters’ stadium boxes and vending is donated within the community, helping to reduce waste and feed hungry within Gainesville.
What makes Kornblau Foyer Green?
LEED certification is based on site/location planning, energy use, water management, materials used, indoor environmental quality and innovation in the design process. The Heavener Complex’s energy-saving features surpass state and national standards requirements by 35 percent, incorporating materials that make the heating and air conditioning systems more efficient. Energy-efficient lighting and light sensors that turn off automatically when the room is empty, as well as light-colored roofing and concrete pavement on the plaza that keep temperatures lower in and around the building, all contribute to a state-of-the-art energy efficient space for showcasing Gator glory. Other features, such as low-flow fixtures and dual-flush toilets, help reduce indoor water use, and low VOC paints provide a healthy space for fans to reminisce.
Facilities and Built Environment
In coordination with UF’s commitments and the national U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, the new Donald R. Dizney Stadium at the Florida Lacrosse facility achieved LEED Gold certification. Additionally, Ben H. Griffin Stadium is home to the first LEED platinum facility in the state of Florida and the first LEED platinum athletic facility in the nation: the Heavener Complex.
Community Service and Social Equity
Social justice is also a key piece of the sustainability puzzles. UF is an affiliate school of the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC). The WRC is an independent labor rights monitoring organization. It works to conduct investigations of working conditions in factories around the globe to combat sweatshops and protect the rights of workers who make licensed Gator apparel.
Outreach and Engagement
Since sustainability is so important to the Gators, it’s natural that we want to share our efforts with our fans. One of the most comprehensive and impactful opportunities for fans is the TailGator Game Day Recycling Program. Established in 2006 by the Office of Sustainability, and sponsored by Pepsi Co., this program has captured over 60 tons of recyclable waste from campus tailgates. During each home game, volunteers distribute blue recycling bags to fans all over campus, encouraging them to recycle what is accepted on game day. In addition to playing an integral role in attaining the zero waste goal, the TailGator Green Team is one of the primary ways sustainability has been incorporated into the fan experience.
For many sports programs we host “Green games” throughout the athletic season. The Office of Sustainability’s outreach hut is set up to educate fans on sustainability at UF and empower them to make changes in their own lives, and representatives from Neutral Gator are on-hand to help fans learn about the UAA’s commitment to carbon neutrality. Additionally, UAA staff are working with sponsors to green their giveaways and tell their own sustainability stories.
UAA staff also participate in the UF Green Team Network - helping us distribute campus sustainability news, tips and opportunities to get involved. The UF Green Team network is administered by the Office of Sustainability, working to connect representatives from departments and units across campus to collaborate on environmental and community efforts. Our representatives also provide valuable insight into the unique opportunities and challenges of our workplace, and consult with the sustainability staff for resources and support on programs and initiatives.
