Colgate University
IN-4: Green Athletics

Colgate University's Athletics Sustainability Group works to create a short- and long-term sustainability action plan that (among other initiatives) focuses on two general areas: Operations. The group looks at all purchasing and operational practices and looks for ways to reduce or eliminate our ecological and carbon footprints associated with waste, energy, water, transportation, and food. Programming. The group also explores ways to express the values of sustainability to student-athletes, the Colgate community in general, and all fans. We host sustainability-themed sporting events, fundraising campaigns for environmental programs, PA announcements that encourage recycling and communicate Colgate’s commitment to carbon neutrality. Composition Initially, the Athletics Sustainability Group includes: Student athletes (2-3) director of fitness and programming grounds supervisor assistant athletics director for event management & facilities director of sustainability assistant director of athletics for medical services; head athletic trainer; instructor in physical education Other ad hoc members as needed Currently, Trudy Fitness Center has a LEED Gold Certification. The new Class of '65 Arena is also undergoing the LEED Certification process and is on track to be LEED Silver Certified. 28% of Colgate's food (including concessions) is local and community-based and/or third-party certified. In addition to this, the Class of '65 arena sells local Good Nature beer at athletic events. This beer comes from less than a mile away. During football games, fans have to pay for parking which incentivizes fans to walk or carpool to games. The campus Cruiser also stops close to the athletic facilities. As mentioned above, this group regularly works with Athletics Communications on creating sustainability-focused PA reads and videos to be displayed during game times.