The Atlanta Falcons may not have won the Super Bowl, but they are definitely winning at “going green.” Currently, Mercedes Benz Stadium is being built to replace the Georgia Dome as the Falcons home, and is projected to be ready for the 2017-2018 season. The stadium will also be home to Atlanta F.C., a new Major League Soccer team. The stadium is designed to save an estimated 29% in energy usage compared to a typical stadium design. It also has 4,000 solar panels, electric car charging stations, and even onsite edible landscaping. In addition to having a sustainable stadium, the Atlanta Falcons, along with several other sports teams are a part of the Green Sports Alliance, leverages the cultural and market influence of sports to promote healthy, sustainable communities where we live and play. By bringing together environmentalists, scientists, and the sports industry, the Alliance shares information about better practices, sustainable development solutions which are environmentally friendly while being cost-effective.

During a time when regulations meant to protect the environment are being rolled back, it’s nice to see the sports industry move forward with environmentally friendly projects and ventures.

 

For more information:

http://greensportsalliance.org/

http://mercedesbenzstadium.com/news/sustainability-mercedes-benz-stadium/

http://www.atlantafalcons.com/green-initiative.html

http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2017/02/04/why-atlanta-falcons-are-going-green-in-2017.html