SMA tidbits

The following are some facts gleaned from the Stadium Managers Association Conference in Orlando.

The NFL launched their green team program in 2008 and 1/2 the teams in the league are now members.

MLB asked teams to report their energy and recycling data in 2008.

In Seattle every facility over 5,000 square feet needs to monitor and report their greenhouse gas emissions/carbon footprint.

Some facilities are highlighting that electricity costs consume almost 15% of their total operating bills.

One study conducted by Aberdeen examined 6,300 companies. Of those who developed energy conservation programs, the best in class saw an energy reduction (electrical) of just 9%. The average reduction was only 2% and the laggard programs actually increased electrical usage/expenditures by 19%. Thus, developing a green program and not giving it the right resources can actually cost more money.

Ford Field has changed it lighting to more energy efficient lighting.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are launching a dry cooler project.

The Texas Rangers are recycling grass clipping, oil, and water.

The St. Louis Cardinals have reduced their energy bills by changing their lights, which helped produce a savings of $10,000 from their utilities.

Several MLB teams have become Energy Star partners including the Braves, Indians, Brewers, Cardinals, Reds, Mariners, and Nationals. On the NFL side three teams have become partners including the Packers, Broncos, and Seahawks.

The Philadelphia Eagles have a commitment form their owners to help go green and and they launched a Go Green program. In 2007 the team purchased 20% of their energy from renewable sources and 2008 purchased 14 million Kilowatt hours from renewable sources-becoming the first NFL team to buy all their energy from renewable sources.

A study showed that fans are willing to walk up to, but no more than 46 feet to throw something into a recyclable container- otherwise they will throw an item into the regular trash. Thus, more recycling bins are needed throughout every stadium.

Gil-