Proud to be a Pac-12 Conference alum. Even more proud to be a Buff.
That’s how I felt throughout the 2nd Annual Pac-12 Sustainability Conference hosted at none other than the stadium with the best view in college football, CU’s very own Folsom Field. According to Commissioner Larry Scott and Deputy Commissioner and COO Jamie Zaninovich, Pac-12 “member universities and athletics departments are national leaders in minimizing their impact on the environment.” We really are a Conference of Champions, on the field and off.
In addition to the privilege of hearing from two Olympic medalists and environmental champions (U.S. women’s soccer alum Mary Harvey and Buffs snowboarder Arielle Gold), the Pac-12 released some BIG news: the launch of Pac-12 Team Green, the official conference sustainability platform.
Campus programs like Ralphie’s Green Stampede and cross-campus competitions like the Pac-12 Zero Waste Competition have been around for some years now. With Pac-12 Team Green, the accomplishments of our individual campuses and athletics departments are brought together under a unifying platform. All schools, now with even more support from the conference, can work together (and in competition) to further innovate and push the envelope in sports sustainability. Maybe even more importantly, we’ll now have a larger platform to reach fans.
Which is great news for Ralphie’s Green Stampede (RGS), CU’s comprehensive sports sustainability program whose mission is to influence fan behavior towards sustainability.
Fan engagement is critical to the RGS philosophy and sustainability programs across the conference are about to get some notable fan-facing screen time! Starting this fall, thanks to Pac-12 Team Green and founding partner Unifi, custom content and media assets featuring sports sustainability programs will be featured during Pac-12 Network game broadcasts.
Unifi will also be a sponsor for all Pac-12 Championships events, bringing even more attention to campus sustainability platforms, particularly those related to recycling. A textile company, Unifi has a line of fiber (REPREVE) made from recycled PET bottles which can be used to make all sorts of apparel items including t-shirts worn by the Zero Waste Goalies at Buffs football and basketball games.
Whether you’re a game-goer or prefer to cheer on the Buffs from the couch, keep an eye out for Pac-12 Team Green this season. You’ll see more ways the Buffs are making a positive impact on the community and learn how you can run with Ralphie’s Green Stampede by following our lead and going green at home, work and play!