2Sustain

Back in September 2009, ProGreenSports polled more than 50 North American professional sports teams in the National Football League, National Hockey League, National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball. The survey results released yesterday reveal, rather convincingly, that pro sports teams are increasingly “going green.”

For example:

• More than 90 percent of those polled say their executive management has a positive perspective on developing a green business strategy.

• Nearly 60 percent have formed an internal “green team.”

• About half the teams have developed or are actively considering developing a sustainability plan with short-and long-term goals.

• More than 80 per cent of teams expect the emphasis on environmental programs to be increasing in the future.

• Over 70 per cent of team executives say that implementing an effective green strategy will increase brand loyalty.

• Team executives are six times more likely to expect their green program to increase profit rather than decrease profit.

“Professional sports organizations are increasingly recognizing the business opportunity and are looking to structure meaningful and authentic green initiatives that connect with fans and the community while improving the bottom line through eco-efficiency cost savings, corporate sponsorships and green advertising,” said Mark McSherry, President of ProGreenSports.

The full report is available at ProGreenSports (http://progreensports.com).