Oregon State University
IN-4: Green Athletics

OSU has participated for the last four years in the Zero Waste Games initiative and competition organized by the Pac-12 network. The Pac-12 Green Team, of which OSU is an active member, is now established to provide consistent support for zero waste games and other activities within athletics. OSU Landscape Shop manages turf irrigation with a weather-responsive system that automates and reduces irrigation demand. Additionally, their active Integrated Pest Management system reduces pesticide and synthetic fertilizer use. The Landscape Shop manages many areas for Athletics. OSU actively markets transportation options programming during and prior to athletic events. With free shuttles, bike share at our two major athletics venues, park and ride locations and increased bike parking, we emphasize alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle, particularly for larger events. The BAST (Beaver Athletes Sustainability Team) is comprised of student-athletes across all sports working to make the Oregon State athletic department the most sustainable and environmentally conscious athletic department in the Pac-12. BAST was recently recognized for its pom-pom recovery work, as well as other efforts to reduce landfill-bound waste. In fall 2016, BAST won the Athlete/Player Engagement competition between Pac-12 schools. Also, BAST won an Environmental Innovator award from the Green Sports Alliance.