COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY & THE NFL TEAM UP FOR SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS AT SUPER BOWL LIX

The Columbia University Master of Science in the Sustainability Management and Sports Management programs began the first semester of the Sustainability in Sports: Theory and Practice course in the fall of 2024. This is the first course in the School of Professional Studies in which students from several graduate programs (Sports Management, Sustainability Management, and the Climate School) could take a course together. The course has been a hit, and my co-lecturer (Shaun Hoyte), Course Associate (Alexandra Bagnasco), and I have received numerous positive comments about the course.

During the semester, I reached out to the point of contact for the National Football League’s sustainability program, to ask if students could assist with their sustainability efforts. The NFL readily agreed and asked if the students would be willing to work on the Super Bowl sustainability project, with ENGIE Impact, on a sustainability resource management and decarbonization plan. The students were more than willing to do so. The program began in December and will end in March.

The following was provided by students who participated in Phase I (pre-Super Bowl data gathering), Phase II (on-site at the Super Bowl), and Phase III (post-Super Bowl report).

Since December 2024, a team of Columbia graduate students has engaged alongside ENGIE Impact with the National Football League’s (NFL) Super Bowl LIX week. Their efforts to improve sustainability, on-site and off, of one of the most significant sporting events in the United States recently came to fruition.

The off-site team researched and prepared a detailed comparative analysis of carbon accounting methodologies and reporting standards across mega-sporting events worldwide, to advise on best practices for the NFL. From that analysis, the team provided recommendations on areas for expanded scope and developed data requirements for the new assessments alongside tools to support refined data collection. Building on this assessment, the team applied established methodologies and best practices to refine carbon reporting, ensuring a more consistent and transparent approach. By incorporating modeling techniques, they strengthened the accuracy of emissions calculations, offering a clearer picture of key impact areas. This effort improved the assessment of the current carbon footprint and provided a roadmap for future Super Bowls, helping organizers strategically direct sustainability efforts where they are needed most.

The primary purpose of the on-site team in New Orleans was to prioritize waste diversion and material recovery throughout and after Super Bowl LIX week events. While the staff was designated for back-of-house material sorting, the on-site Sustainability Teammates guided fans and other teammates through recycling and composting during the Super Bowl Experience. After four days at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, they worked at the Ceasars Superdome during the Super Bowl to manage the separation of incoming trash from recycling, as the Superdome introduced its first significant recycling program.

Lastly, teammates engaged with local organizations and received materials from NFL House and Caesars Superdome after the game. These organizations will reuse or recycle materials used at the Super Bowl Experience, the Super Bowl, and events throughout the city. However, many constructed or decorative pieces were difficult to reuse and may live short lives after recovery. Recommendations for future mega-sporting events mainly prioritize communication and coordination with the venues and vendors to ensure infrastructure is in place to receive recycling and composting.

The greatest successes were in the outcomes of these efforts. Truckloads of materials from the Superdome and other venues around New Orleans were diverted from landfills through local partnerships. In addition, curious fans were educated, and many others appreciated the attention to recycling and composting that the teammates and venues provided. This almost led to an overflow post-event because the convention center did not expect such high volumes of recyclables. Overall, the Sustainability Teammate program was a great success, and the impact was evident.

This was the first time any of the students attended (actually worked) a Super Bowl. They received accolades from the NFL and Engie Impact teams. They made their lecturers and course associate (it was the first Super Bowl for both) and their respective programs very proud.

One of the many goals of the course is to continue the relationship with the NFL and offer the students’ services to other sports leagues, organizations, teams, venues, etc.

The course title could not have been more accurate: Sustainability in Sports: Theory and Practice.

I encourage readers to evaluate their sustainability efforts (energy, water, and waste management), which will save money and make a difference in the environment.

Credit: Students: Rafael Senices (Phase 1), Peyten Hernandez (On-site phase), Desikan Jayaram (Phase 3).

Posted March 18, 2025