Stadiums are increasingly prioritizing sustainability in their operations to address several key concerns.
For starters, the environmental impact of hosting massive events that attract large crowds can be significant when it comes to waste generation, energy consumption, and carbon emissions. By implementing zero-waste initiatives and improving energy efficiency, stadiums can mitigate these impacts, reducing their carbon footprints.
At the same time, prioritizing sustainable practices can also lead to cost savings for stadiums. By reducing waste, implementing recycling programs, and upgrading to energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, stadiums can lower their operational expenses over time. In addition to helping preserve the planet for future generations, focusing on sustainability is also financially attractive.
As consumers become more environmentally conscious—studies show that people are willing to spend more on sustainable products and are more likely to support businesses that prioritize sustainability—stadiums recognize the importance of aligning with their values and preferences. By promoting sustainability and eco-friendly practices, stadiums can enhance their brand image, attract environmentally-minded consumers, and strengthen customer loyalty.
By proactively addressing environmental concerns and adopting sustainable practices, stadiums can also stay ahead of potential regulations and compliance requirements—mitigating regulatory risks while ensuring compliance with existing environmental regulations.
If you’re looking to make your stadium more environmentally friendly, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to learn key stadium sustainability practices for venue operations—and how you can implement them.
6 Stadium Sustainability Practices for Greener Venue Operations
Today’s leading stadiums have already embraced sustainability. If you’re looking to transform into a world-class venue, here’s how you can do the same.
1. Green Building Initiatives
Green building initiatives offer a number of benefits for stadiums, particularly through the use of sustainable and recycled materials.
By incorporating sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled steel, and concrete into construction, stadiums can reduce their environmental impact and lower the carbon emissions associated with building. What’s more, utilizing recycled materials diverts waste from landfills and reduces the need for raw materials extraction, contributing to resource conservation and waste reduction efforts.
Green building initiatives can also enhance the indoor environmental quality of stadiums, providing spectators and athletes with a healthier and more comfortable environment. By embracing green building practices and incorporating sustainable and recycled materials, stadiums can promote environmental stewardship, improve resource efficiency, and create more sustainable and resilient infrastructure for the future.
2. Waste Management
Effective waste management and diversion strategies, including composting and recycling, can help venues become more sustainable. By implementing composting programs, stadiums can divert organic waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions and promoting soil health through the production of nutrient-rich compost.
Recycling initiatives enable stadiums to recover valuable materials—such as plastics, metals, and paper—conserving natural resources. As an added bonus, waste management and diversion efforts contribute to cost savings by reducing waste disposal fees and generating revenue through the sale of recyclable materials.
By promoting environmental stewardship and responsible waste management practices, stadiums can enhance their public image, attract environmentally-conscious fans, and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability—all while contributing to a more sustainable future.
3. Water Conservation
Water conservation initiatives—including the use of low-flow fixtures and reclaimed water—offer significant environmental benefits for stadiums.
For starters, implementing low-flow fixtures such as faucets, toilets, and urinals can result in substantial water savings by reducing consumption and associated costs. Incorporating reclaimed water systems allows stadiums to utilize treated wastewater for non-potable purposes such as irrigation, cooling, and flushing, thus reducing reliance on freshwater sources and alleviating pressure on municipal water supplies.
By conserving water, stadiums can also minimize their environmental impact, reduce energy consumption associated with water treatment and distribution, and mitigate the risk of water scarcity in drought-prone regions. Prioritizing water conservation helps demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management, enhancing the stadium’s reputation and fostering goodwill among fans, sponsors, and the community.
4. Renewable Energy
Renewable energy sources—like solar panels and wind turbines—can enhance a stadium’s sustainability practices.
By harnessing solar energy through the installation of solar panels on the rooftops of parking structures, stadiums can generate clean, renewable energy to power their operations, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while lowering carbon emissions. Just take a look at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, which hosted Super Bowl LVIII—the first championship game powered entirely by renewables.
Similarly, wind turbines can be installed on stadium grounds or nearby locations to capture wind energy and convert it into electricity, further diversifying the stadium’s renewable energy portfolio. Investing in renewable energy not only reduces the stadium’s environmental footprint but also provides long-term cost savings by offsetting energy expenses and protecting against fluctuating energy prices.
5. Energy-Efficient Lighting
By investing in energy-efficient lighting, stadiums can further enhance sustainability. LED lighting consumes significantly less energy than traditional lighting sources, reducing energy consumption and operating costs.
Additionally, stadiums can reduce light levels by implementing lighting controls, dimming systems, and scheduling practices to optimize energy usage based on occupancy and event requirements.
By upgrading to energy-efficient lighting technologies and implementing smart lighting strategies, stadiums can minimize their environmental impact, lower carbon emissions, and improve operational efficiency—all while providing high-quality illumination for events.
6. Smart Energy Management Systems
Stadiums can also increase sustainability by investing in smart energy management systems. By integrating sensors and real-time data analysis, such systems monitor energy consumption patterns, identify inefficiencies, and optimize energy usage throughout the facility.
Smart energy management systems enable stadiums to adjust lighting and HVAC systems based on occupancy levels and environmental conditions, maximizing energy savings while maintaining comfort and safety.
Additionally, predictive analytics and remote monitoring capabilities allow for proactive maintenance and troubleshooting, reducing downtime and improving overall system performance. By embracing smart energy management technologies, stadiums can achieve significant reductions in energy usage while lowering operational costs and minimizing their environmental footprint.
How 24/7 Software Can Help You Achieve Your Sustainability Goals
If you’re looking to bake more sustainability into venue operations, 24/7 Software can help. Our computerized maintenance management system (CMMS)—also known as a computer-aided facility management (CAFM) solution—can ensure you keep your venue’s assets productive and efficient.
With 24/7 Software, your air conditioning systems, heating units, utilities, and equipment can stay optimized using our proactive digital maintenance program. Our solution helps you to be proactive in your facility management practices, tracking everything you need and keeping your assets working at optimum levels. By deploying our software, you can protect your assets, make them more reliable, and use predictive and preventative maintenance to extend their lives.
Add it all up, and it’s an easy way to reduce your carbon emission and overall footprint while increasing your margins and delighting your customers.
Ready to accelerate your journey to stadium sustainability?
If you’re looking to unlock the full potential of your venue operations, you need to prioritize stadium sustainability. It’s that simple.
By embracing green building initiatives, prioritizing waste management, and implementing water conservation practices, you can reduce your carbon footprint while doing your part to protect the environment. Investments in renewable energy, energy-efficient lighting, and smart energy management systems can take your sustainability efforts even further, increasing your margins while meeting customer expectations and future-proofing your venue against looming regulations.
To learn more about how 24/7 Software can accelerate your journey to stadium sustainability, request a demo today.
