Towards a Sustainable Super Bowl: Rethinking Mega Events for the Future
Every year, the Super Bowl captivates millions worldwide, not only for its thrilling sportsmanship but also for its extravagant halftime shows, star-studded commercials, and overall atmosphere. However, amidst the spectacle lies a significant environmental footprint. From transportation emissions to excessive waste production, mega-events like the Super Bowl often contribute to environmental degradation. As the world increasingly grapples with the urgency of climate change and environmental sustainability, such events must evolve to minimise their ecological impact. In this blog, we delve into the changes needed for the Super Bowl and similar mega-events to embrace sustainability, without compromising their essence.
Sustainable Infrastructure:
Venue Selection: opt for stadiums with sustainable features like LEED certification, renewable energy sources, and efficient waste management systems. This year, the Super Bowl was powered entirely by renewable energy, with more than 621 thousand solar panels making this feat possible. Additionally, the stadium's roof was constructed from recycled plastic materials.
Green Transportation: Encourage the use of public transport, promote carpooling, and provide incentives for attendees to choose eco-friendly modes of transport.
Carbon Offsetting: Calculate and offset the carbon emissions associated with the event through investments in renewable energy projects or reforestation efforts.
Waste Reduction and Recycling:
Zero Waste Goal: Implement strategies to minimise waste generation, such as utilising compostable or reusable materials for food packaging, merchandise, and promotional items. This year’s Super Bowl saw the collection of 5,000 kilos of food waste, which was donated to local farms to feed animals.
Recycling Initiatives: Increase recycling bins and provide clear signage to encourage proper waste disposal. Partner with local recycling facilities to ensure efficient processing of recyclable materials.
Sustainable Food and Beverage Options:
Local Sourcing: Prioritise locally sourced, organic, and seasonal ingredients for food and beverages to reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation and support local farmers.
Plant-Based Options: Offer a variety of plant-based menu items to cater to diverse dietary preferences and reduce the environmental impact of meat production.
Eco-Conscious Event Operations:
Energy Efficiency: Implement energy-saving measures such as LED lighting, smart HVAC systems, and power-efficient equipment to minimise electricity consumption.
Water Conservation: Implement water-saving technologies, promote water-efficient practices, and utilise reclaimed water for irrigation and other non-potable uses.
Travel Sustainability:
Transportation Emissions Reduction: Encourage sustainable travel options such as trains, electric vehicles, or shared transportation services. Offset private jet emissions through carbon offset projects.
Promoting Virtual Participation: Embrace virtual attendance options and hybrid event models to reduce the carbon footprint associated with travel.
VIP Travel Sustainability Guidelines: Develop guidelines for sustainable VIP travel and incentivise sustainable choices. For instance, it was expected that 1,500 private jets would travel to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl, including Taylor Swift's journey from Tokyo to support her boyfriend, Travis Kelce.
Community Engagement and Legacy:
Educational Outreach: Raise awareness about sustainability issues through educational programmes, workshops, and interactive exhibits at the event.
Legacy Projects: Invest in community-driven sustainability projects as part of the event's legacy.
Transparency and Accountability:
Reporting and Monitoring: Track and report environmental performance metrics to foster transparency and accountability.
Stakeholder Engagement: Involve stakeholders in decision-making and solicit feedback for continuous improvement.
The Super Bowl and similar mega-events hold immense cultural significance and economic opportunities, but they also carry a significant environmental footprint, especially concerning travel. By adopting sustainable practices across various aspects of event planning and operations, including travel considerations, these events can mitigate their ecological impact and serve as catalysts for positive change. Embracing sustainability is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity in the face of global environmental challenges. As we strive towards a more sustainable future, let us reimagine mega-events like the Super Bowl as platforms for inspiration, innovation, and environmental stewardship.