Princeton University
IN-4: Green Athletics

Water used for irrigation has been reduced by installing artificial turf fields on athletic fields, and the University has installed groundwater recharge systems beneath several athletic fields including Princeton Stadium and Roberts Stadium. These fields are vertically drained and permit infiltration of nearly 100% precipitation back to groundwater. Athletics also has a remotely programmable irrigation system that aids in environmentally-friendly management of water use on non-turf athletic fields. Exterior field lighting is on a energy-saving management system where users still maintain control, but the system will shut off if no longer in use. Interior lighting in indoor athletic venues have been switched to LED technologies, reducing energy consumption. A wildflower garden, featuring nearly 50 different flower species, was recently planted along the perimeter of the West Windsor Sports Fields. The garden attracts native species and key pollinators, and requires very little irrigation or fertilization. The West Windsor fields are also irrigated using well water rather than utility-purchased water. In January 2018, student EcoReps collaborated with the Athletics department to put on the first ever Tiger Sustainability Night during a double-header basketball game in Jadwin Gym. The event was well promoted and featured a recycling competition during half-time, a reusable bag giveaway, and education and statistics about proper recycling practices and campus sustainability efforts.