The University of Florida Athletic Association, Inc. (UAA) has a commitment to sustainability that extends from our operations to the culture of the Gator Nation®. There are numerous ways we are working to achieve our sustainability goals; reducing our impact on the environment, giving back to our community, and instilling the value of sustainability into what it means to be a Gator fan.
What is carbon neutrality?
Learn more UF/IFAS fact sheet.
UF and the UAA take a two-pronged approach to carbon neutrality: reducing our output of carbon emissions, and offsetting what we do emit.
Energy and Climate Change
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 the UF Office of Sustainability and Neutral Gator, an initiative of the nonprofit Earth Givers, LLC, 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) for 2009-2012 seasons. These offsets are unique because they are all generated locally, benefitting our community and the state of Florida.
Zero Waste
Recycling – Gator athletic venues provide recycling bins, and all cans, bottles and souvenir cups sold at concession stands are recyclable items. These infrastructure additions are part of UF’s commitment to be zero waste by 2015.
UF has a commitment to be zero waste by 2015. The best way you can help on game days is to recycle your plastic or glass bottles and aluminum cans. Put it in the right can, Gator fan!
TailGator Green Teams – The Office of Sustainability coordinates a recycling program on football game days with volunteers in high traffic areas distributing blue recycling bags, along with instructions on what is and is not recyclable. Inside the stadium, volunteers sort recyclables into bins and educate fans as they work in the concourses.
Waste Reduction - The UF Office of Sustainability is currently working on a composting solution for organic waste (food and food wrappers/containers). With the help and cooperation of our stadium concession partner, Centerplate, the UAA has been transitioning to compostable items. This includes biodegradable cups for ice, straws, food wrappers, baskets, plates and flatware.
Next Green Game: Florida vs. Marquette
Thu., Nov. 29 • O'Connell Center
Tickets to this SEC/Big East Challenge still remain, join us to learn more about UF’s sustainable initiatives.
Green Games
For many sports programs we host “Green Games” throughout the athletic season. The Office of Sustainability’s outreach hut is set up to educate fans on sustainability at UF and empower them to make changes in their own lives, and representatives from Neutral Gator are on-hand to help fans learn about the UAA’s commitment to carbon neutrality.
Facilities and Built Environment
In coordination with UF’s commitments and the national U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, Donald R. Dizney Stadium at the Florida Lacrosse facility achieved LEED Gold certification. Additionally, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is home to the first LEED platinum facility in the state of Florida and the first LEED platinum athletic facility in the nation: The James W. “Bill” Heavener Football Complex.
What makes Kornblau Foyer inside the James W. “Bill” Heavener Complex Green?
- Energy-efficient lighting and light sensors that turn off automatically when the room is empty
- Light-colored roofing and concrete pavement on the plaza that keep temperatures lower in and around the building
- Low-flow fixtures and dual-flush toilets, help reduce indoor water use
- Low VOC paints provide a healthy space for fans to reminisce
