US Tennis Association Serves Up Green

Kelli Best-Oliver — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:45:39 +0000

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced Monday, during the opening of the US Open, that it would be making efforts to initiate long-term environmentally sustainable projects to reduce it’s carbon footprint at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (NTC) in New York. Environmental consultants Environmental Resource Management assisted in the plans to green up the center, which include energy efficiency and management, green outreach to fans, increased recycling, environmentally-sustainable product sourcing, and more efficient transportation.

“Big-time sporting events provide a unique platform to educate fans on green initiatives, and we feel that the best way we can educate is to lead by example,” said Arlen Kantarian, Chief Executive Officer, Pro Tennis, USTA. “We have a plan that will lessen the environmental impact of the event and heighten the environmental awareness of those who attend it.”

Constellation Energy will provide wind credits through Green-E to offset the entire amount of electricity used during the US Open. US Tennis has partnered with the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to give away wallet-sized cards with green living tips at the US Open. The NTC will have convenient plastic and aluminum recycling for spectators and players. And napkins and other paper products at the tournament will be made from between 30 and 90% post-consumer waste.

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US Tennis Association Serves Up Green