HOK – a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm – has entered into a partnership with the Green Sports Alliance (GSA) – an international nonprofit that advises professional and collegiate leagues, teams and venue operators about environmental stewardship.
Scott Jenkins, AMB Sports & Entertainment Group Stadium General Manager and Chair of the Green Sports Alliance, said, “Since its inception in 2010, the Green Sports Alliance has focused on improving the environmental performance of sports organisations and venues. HOK’s expertise and commitment to designing sustainable venues offer tremendous value to our members and to the entire sports industry.”
Under the partnership’s terms, HOK will offer GSA members enhanced access to information about strategies for sustainable venue design, operations and technologies. HOK will also help shape future GSA membership programs and partnerships. The firm is currently collaborating with the GSA to develop a report outlining the future of sports facility design.
Chris DeVolder, Sustainable Design Leader for HOK’s Sports + Recreation + Entertainment practice, said, “The Green Sports Alliance shares our goals for bringing sustainability to the sports industry. This innovative partnership will also support our firm’s commitment to the 2030 Challenge, an initiative seeking carbon neutrality in all new buildings, developments and major renovations by 2030.
“Sports offer a uniquely powerful platform for talking about sustainability. The Green Sports Alliance is helping organisations understand how upfront investments in sustainability initiatives can generate long-term savings.”
DeVolder moderated a plenary session at the fifth annual Green Sports Alliance Summit, which took place in Chicago on June 30, titled ‘Beyond the Building: How Sports Facilities Contribute to Sustainable Communities and Urban Vitalisation’.
About the Green Sports Alliance
The Green Sports Alliance leverages the cultural and market influence of sports to promote healthy, sustainable communities. The nonprofit works to inspire sports leagues, teams, venues, their partners and millions of fans to embrace renewable energy conservation, healthy food, recycling, water efficiency, species preservation, safer chemicals and other environmentally preferable practices. Alliance members represent nearly 300 sports teams and venues from 20 different sports leagues and 14 countries. For more information, visit: greensportsalliance.org