University of North Carolina Athletics
Sustainable Athletics At UNC: Friday
January 29, 2016 | General
Sustainable Athletics at UNC
GoHeels.com will look at an area of sustainability each day this week as the site highlights portions of the UNC Athletics Sustainability Report.
Monday: Introduction/Energy
Tuesday: Water
Wednesday: Recycling
Thursday: Transportation & Purchasing
Friday: Service
Service
Sustainable communities require a balance of the three E's – environment, economy, and social equity. Varsity athletic teams have done a commendable job of developing social equity projects that benefit both the community and the environment.
Varsity athletic teams at UNC take on various service projects throughout the year and many of these have direct or indirect ways of making the community more sustainable. These projects often involve reusing household items and providing time and resources to low-income families in the community. One of the most popular projects that varsity teams participate in is an annual Habitat for Humanity build. Many teams also collect can tops for the Ronald McDonald House, toiletries from road trips for homeless shelters, and gently worn professional clothing for the local women's shelter. Additionally, the men's tennis team collects worn out shoes for repurposing, while the women's tennis team collects shoeboxes and used tennis balls for repurposing at elementary schools and assisted living facilities. In 2010, the field hockey team began their Sun Safety Project, which serves to raise awareness of skin cancer risk factors. The team also collects sunscreen, which is donated to the Inter-Faith Council Community House.
Conclusion
The University of North Carolina has taken tremendous strides toward sustainability in athletics through reducing energy and water use, increasing recycling options, reducing CO2 emissions, purchasing sustainable products, and serving its community in sustainable ways. UNC maintains the opportunity to improve upon the aforementioned successes and partnerships to continue building a more sustainable future. As venues are renovated, recycling programs expand, and new initiatives become established, UNC Athletics will add another dimension to the Carolina Game Day and everyday experience of its fans and community.
This report was prepared with information gathered by the UNC Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling. Thank you to everyone who provided information and support:
· Angie Bitting, Director of the Smith Center
· Kristen Blank-White, Research and Outreach manager of the UNC Sustainability Office
· Jaci Field, Director of the Eddie Smith Field House
· Richie Grimsley, Assistant Director for Facility Planning and Management
· Stacey Harris, Director of Carmichael Arena
· Jessica O'Hara, Energy Management
· Shelley Johnson, Director of the Carolina Leadership Academy
· Trey Parnell, Operations Manager and Fleet Management Coordinator
· Kevin Robinson, Director of Facilities
· Cindy Shea, Director of the UNC Sustainability Office
· Matthew Smead, Committee Member of the UNC Renewable Energy Special Projects Committee
