WASHINGTON – On September 6, 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed an agreement with the Green Sports Alliance to work together to address environmental challenges faced by sports venues, organizations and teams. EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe joined Green Sports Alliance Executive Director Martin Tull today to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Second Annual Green Sports Alliance Summit in Seattle, Washington. The agreement will facilitate collaboration between the two organizations on issues such as waste management, water and energy conservation and sustainability for teams and at stadiums and sporting venues.

EPA has also agreed to share tools like the Energy Star Portfolio Manager, an energy management tool that allows building owners to track and assess energy and water consumption, to help Alliance members to improve their environmental performance.

“For years, American sports teams, venues and leagues have been leaders on sustainable development and environmental stewardship, and the Green Sports Alliance has been critical to the success they’ve seen,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe. “This MOU will strengthen the partnership EPA has with the Alliance, and ensure its members have EPA resources at their fingertips as they continue their important work. Together, we can find new ways to conserve energy, reduce waste and pollution, and engage America's sports fans in the effort to bring about a more sustainable future.”

“In order to be successful in their greening efforts, teams and venues have to start by measuring their environmental impact,” said Green Sports Alliance Executive Director Martin Tull. “We encourage this as a first step for all Alliance members. This deeper partnership with the EPA will help provide our members with the tools and resources they need to establish baselines and support their continuous improvement in terms of performance and efficiency.”

Green Sports Alliance is a non-profit organization with a mission to help sports teams, venues and leagues enhance their environmental performance. Alliance members represent over 100 sports teams and venues from 13 different sports leagues. The Green Sports Alliance and EPA share a commitment to supporting the U.S. sporting industry’s efforts to improve environmental awareness and promote more sustainable behavior by the sporting industry, stakeholders, partners and consumers. EPA has collaborated with a number of sporting organizations and related stakeholder groups to provide assistance to green sports projects, competitions and challenges to help organizations save money and protect people’s health and the environment.

More on the Green Sports Summit: http://www.greensportssummit.org/

More on the Green Sports Alliance: http://greensportsalliance.org/

More on EPA’s Partnership Programs: http://www.epa.gov/partners