Georgia Southern Athletics Launches Sustainability Action Plan
10/7/2021 9:42:00 AM | General
STATESBORO - The Georgia Southern Athletics Department and the Office of Leadership and Community Engagement today announced the implementation of the Athletics Sustainability Action Plan (ASAP) to promote sustainability within the athletics department.
The Athletics Sustainability Action Plan is a five-year working plan created to foster involvement by all parties involved, including student-athletes, staff and fans, to increase sustainability engagement and contribute to the university's sustainable goals. The plan highlights eight target areas, seven goals and 35 objectives. Director of Athletics Jared Benko and Senior Associate Athletics Director Tracy Ham are leading the efforts of this new action plan.
"Implementing the Athletics Sustainability Action Plan has afforded us to use our platform and facilities to highlight the importance of recycling and leave our campus in a better place for future generations," Benko said. "It not only benefits Georgia Southern but our surrounding community as well. We are proud of the work we're doing to be more sustainable and reduce our ecological footprint."
Georgia Southern Athletics has already taken initiative so far with recycling bins in tailgating areas and inside Allen E. Paulson Stadium. Further, in some athletics facilities, lights have been replaced with LED lights to offset carbon emissions. This past year, Georgia Southern baseball had its first "Green Game" which promoted sustainability to students and fans.
"To keep our goals and objectives on track, we have invested resources and personnel that is focused on sustainability," Ham said. "Our graduate assistant will be part of our committee that is responsible for evaluating, monitoring and overseeing the implementation of the ASAP."
Students, staff and fans can also help promote athletics sustainability through volunteering at games and being an active participant in recycling at our athletics facilities. Those interested can learn more about sustainability here.
