University of Florida
IN-4: Green Athletics

The University of Florida Gators and University Athletic Association have pursued numerous sustainability initiatives to both improve the fan experience and reduce Athletics’ impact on the environment and community. The Gators were the first athletic program in the country to be carbon neutral, part of UF's goal to be carbon neutral by 2025. The UAA, in partnership with We Are Neutral began by offsetting Gator football in 2008, followed by a renewed and expanded commitment that offset all athletic activities (operation of facilities and team travel).These offsets are unique because they are all generated locally, benefitting our community and the state of Florida. Numerous Gator facilities have received LEED certification including the following: - Donald R Dizney Stadium (Florida Lacrosse) – LEED Gold - Gymnastics Practice Field – LEED Gold - Golf Course Club House – LEED Silver - Baseball Locker room – LEED Certified - Stephen C. O’Connell Center – Certification in progress – expecting LEED Gold - UF Football Indoor Practice Facility – LEED Silver - James W. “Bill” Heavener Football Complex – LEED Platinum Florida Gators fans are engaged and informed about sustainability efforts throughout the games through announcements regarding Zero Waste initiatives. Additionally, sustainability information is presented on the UAA webpage (https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_sustainability_.aspx), and Green Games are hosted in each of the major sports to highlight sustainability initiatives throughout campus. UAA works with grass and turf researchers at the University of Florida to maximize the quality of playing fields while reducing water and chemical input. Some fields are watered with reclaimed water from the UF Wastewater Treatment facility (as is most campus open space), and a pilot project involved applying compost generated from UF food waste to the Ben Hill Griffin stadium field.