A report released by the National Institute of Building Sciences and the Green Sports Alliance looked at ways the nation’s sports venues can make an impact by reducing their energy and water use. The report, Taking the Field: Advancing Energy and Water Efficiency in Sports Venues, considered the potential water and energy reductions the U.S. sports sector could make, and highlights the financial savings some leagues and teams are already seeing from putting such efficiency initiatives into place. The two organizations released the report during the 43rd Annual Stadium Managers Association Seminar, in Huntington Beach, California.

“Nothing captures the attention of Americans quite like sports,” said National Institute of Building Sciences President Henry L. Green, Hon. AIA. “When stadiums and arenas—some of the largest buildings in the nation—set high-performance building goals, it is something everyone can cheer for. We thank representatives from across the sports industry for contributing to this research, and look forward to seeing sports venues take steps to improve their energy and water efficiency.”

In 2016, a project team, with input from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, looked at the existing data; conducted workshops and webinars; launched an industry survey and interviewed representatives from across the sports industry. More than 125 industry representatives participated in these activities, and an additional 20,000 stakeholders received information on the project. This report compiles that data and sets a path for future implementation

“This report is a valuable resource for advancing energy and water performance across the sports industry and further making the business case for sustainability,” said Justin Zeulner, Green Sports Alliance executive director. “Our sports members will benefit from the continued sharing of innovative solutions that emphasize the importance of measuring and tracking energy and water use at sports venues. When we all PLAY GREENER, we all win.”

The report can be downloaded online right now.