Sacramento, CA – Beyond Sport, a global organization that promotes, supports and celebrates the use of sport to address social issues in communities around the world, recognized the Sacramento Kings industry-leading effort to combat climate change and promote sustainability in California and around the world. The Kings were selected as one of three finalists for the Sport for Climate Action award.
“By creating a new model of sustainability at Golden 1 Center, we hope to inspire our fans, community, friends in sport and businesses around the globe to think deliberately about how we use our planet’s resources and reduce our impact on the environment,” said Kings Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadivé.
The Sacramento Kings have announced a series of unprecedented commitments to sustainability. Golden 1 Center, the Kings new home court, is the first entirely solar powered and LEED Platinum certified arena in the world, placing it in the top 3% of all buildings certified in the world. The venue’s industry-leading food program sources 90 percent of its ingredients and beverages from within 150 miles, enacted a 10-point charter that extends the team’s commitment to identify responsible sources, extend our educational reach into our culinary program, support local businesses, and take steps to mitigate hunger in the Sacramento region.
The arena’s design embraces energy saving innovations and creates opportunities for the team to educate fans about environmental awareness. Five massive hangar doors at the Grand Entrance bi-fold, allowing the arena to utilize a regional, natural cooling phenomenon – The Delta Breeze – to circulate fresh air through the arena and save on energy use. The lower bowl features a one-of-a-kind displacement ventilation system which adjusts the climate at the fans’ level – under their seats – with low-volume, passive air that is more comfortable and efficient than typical forced, chilled air from above.
Other key sustainability accomplishments and programs for Golden 1 Center include:
- The team’s new downtown home will reduce average miles traveled per attendee by 20 percent, cut overall air emissions by 24 percent, and reduce travel-related greenhouse gas emissions per attendee by 36 percent by 2020, as reported in a thirteen-month environmental impact analysis.
- The first year-round, net-zero sports arena
- A 30 percent reduction in energy use above California Title 24 code requirement
- A 45 percent reduction in use over stringent California code
- Over 12,000 pounds of usable food diverted to local food banks
- Fan donated shoes recycled into the team’s court
- 99% of demolition materials, nearly 101,000 tons, recycled and diverted from landfills
- Partnerships with the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Green Sports Alliance (GSA)
Winners of the Beyond Sports Global Awards will be announced at an award ceremony in New York City on July 26th.
