With the Seattle Seahawks getting ready to play the Denver Broncos this weekend in Super Bowl XLVIII, here at ENN, we are not only focused on the game, but we are also interested in the sustainability efforts of the stadiums and the teams. As for this year's Super Bowl, MetLife Stadium boasts that it is the first stadium in the world to earn the title of "Certified Green Restaurant" stadium from the Green Restaurant Association (GRA).
With the Seattle Seahawks getting ready to play the Denver Broncos this weekend in Super Bowl XLVIII, here at ENN, we are not only focused on the game, but we are also interested in the sustainability efforts of the stadiums and the teams.
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As for this year's Super Bowl, MetLife Stadium boasts that it is the first stadium in the world to earn the title of "Certified Green Restaurant" stadium from the Green Restaurant Association (GRA).
The GRA worked with MetLife Stadium to implement 61 sustainability measures this year. Highlights include:
-All waste kitchen oil is being converted to biodiesel fuel
-Composting all kitchen scraps
-Donating all leftover food
-Recycling cardboard, plastic, glass, aluminum and paper
-Use of ENERGY STAR equipment
-Installation of waterless urinals, touchless sensor faucets, 1/2-gallon faucet aerators, and low water landscaping
-Eliminating all polystyrene foam containers
As for the two opponents, the main accomplishments of the Seahawk's sustainability efforts from the past decade at CenturyLink Field include:
Waste Reduction
-94 percent of waste from CenturyLink Field is diverted from landfills, up from 47 percent four years ago
-Five million gallons of biodiesel were produced in 2012 from recycling cooking oil
-100 percent of food containers are compostable
Water Conservation
-CenturyLink Field reduced its water use by 15 percent in 2012
-Low-flow water fixtures save 1.3 million gallons annually
-Cleaning processes are low-chemical and all cleaners and soaps are certified by Green Seal
Energy Efficiency
-Energy consumption was reduced by 12 percent in 2012
-CenturyLink Event Center is topped with solar panels that meet 30 percent of the facility’s energy needs
-Arch lighting has been converted to programmable, efficient LEDs
As for the Broncos and their sustainability efforts at Mile High Stadium, they too have impressive accomplishments. Highlights from the past decade include:
Windpower Offset
-The Broncos have purchased renewable energy through Xcel Energy's Windsource Program to offset 100% of the electricity used to power all home games for the 2011 season.
Single Stream Recycling
-In August of 2007 Sports Authority Field implemented a stadium wide recycling program.
Cardboard Recycling
-In February of 2008 the stadium purchased a cardboard baler and began recycling cardboard.
Composting
-Composting began in November of 2008 in the main kitchens.
Energy Management
-The stadium has instituted an Energy Management Program, and due to this program the stadium has seen an 11% reduction in it's energy usage.
Regardless who wins the Super Bowl this year, it is evident that with the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos, we have two super sustainability champions. Good luck to both teams!
Read more at: The Denver Broncos, Bainbridge Graduate Institute, and Sustainable Brands.
Stadium image via Shutterstock. Image credit: Christopher Penier.
