Ohio State Earns 2023 Green Sports Alliance 'Play to Zero Award'
7/11/2023 3:52:00 PM | General
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State Athletics was announced as one of the eight recipients of the 2023 Green Sports Alliance 'Play to Zero Award' at the 13th annual Green Sports Alliance Summit at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.
This prestigious award is given to organizations that have made a significant impact in the green sports movement by diverting waste materials from landfills.
Ohio State Athletics was chosen as an award recipient for diverting more than 90% of waste materials away from landfills during the 2023 fiscal year.
- "The Green Sports Alliance (GSA) is the environmentally-focused trade organization that convenes stakeholders from around the sporting world (teams, leagues, conferences, venues, corporate partners, governmental agencies, athletes, and fans) to promote healthy, sustainable communities where we live and play." More information here: https://greensportsalliance.org/about/
- Department of Athletics and Business Advancement is a member of GSA
- The Play to Zero is a leadership recognition platform that guides and celebrates progress of Green Sports Alliance members towards a net zero energy, net zero water, zero waste, and a resilient future.
- The Play to Zero awards are for sports organizations that can show via Play to Zero or other tracking platforms 30-100% reductions or diversions in Waste, Water, or Energy use at their venue. Ohio State Athletics was recognized as a Play To Zero Waste Champion at the 2023 Green Sports Alliance Summit at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA. More information here: https://greensportsalliance.org/awards/. This is a national award. GSA includes professional sports organizations as well
Cecil Okotah, Ohio State environmental sustainability specialist, said Ohio State has made great strides in reducing the environmental impact of large campus gatherings.
"As Buckeyes, we should all do our part to embrace waste reduction and conservation practices at home gameday events." Okotah said. "We can look to Zero Waste at Ohio Stadium as a great example of reducing our environmental impact while also improving efficiency at large gatherings. Let's work toward a sustainable future for ourselves, future generations and the broader community."
- During the 2023 fiscal year, Ohio State hosted a total of 15 zero waste events across three event types, (including nine football, three men's basketball, one women's basketball and two commencement events). And with the help of student interns, community volunteers, as well as internal and external partners, we were able to divert more than 91.90% of the waste generated at these events away from landfills.
- Total waste generated: 159.86 tons
- Volunteer hours: 1,475 hours
- The impressive results during FY23 were made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Athletics and BA operations teams, Levy Restaurants, Communications and Marketing team, the Ticket Office, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Price Farms Organics, I Am Change Outreach, Rumpke, and Boren Brothers. This achievement is a testament to their hard work and dedication towards our commitment to a green gameday experience.
Breakdown of partners
- Athletics and BA operations teams: Ensuring accessibility of waste infrastructures at facilities and helping with post-game cleanup
- Levy Restaurants: Provision of recyclable and compostable items at concession stands making it possible to divert most of the waste from the landfill
- Communications and Marketing team, and the Ticket Office: Engaging with fans via email on zero waste initiatives
- Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC): Sortation of gameday waste and ensuring accurate data.
- I Am Change Outreach Volunteers and Ohio State Interns: Educate Fans on Sustainability Initiatives and Correct cross-contamination
- Rumpke and Boren Brothers: Hauling services to ODRC and Price Farms Organics
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