KC Chiefs connect teams to sustainable solutions

While Kansas City Chiefs’ fans are gearing up for a new season, management is working behind the scenes on partnerships for energy efficiency, waste reduction and social justice issues.

The Chiefs and the Green Sports Alliance are hosting the Kansas City Sports & Sustainability Symposium on Tuesday, August 17 for teams from across the region. This one-day event is targeted for professional and collegiate sports team management, but is also open to business and public leaders interested in exploring how the industry can advance healthier, more sustainable communities.

The Chiefs’ sustainability efforts have been underway for more than a decade at Arrowhead Stadium, including:

• Waste management strategies to increase waste diversion to 59.3 percent, up from 11 percent in 2010
• Working with BASF, Aramark, Hampton Farms and Missouri Organic Recycling to be the first professional sports venue to sell pre-packaged peanuts in compostable bags beginning in 2017
• Initiating the “Extra Yard for the Environment” program in 2017 to promote sustainability across the stadium and community
• In partnership with Evergy, the installation in 2014 of 308 solar panels to generate about 29,000 kilowatts of electricity a year at Truman Sports Complex
• Energy-efficiency efforts that saved about $200,000 a year and additional energy-efficiency renovations that resulted in $250,000 savings since 2018.

Kansas City Sports & Sustainability Symposium program participants will learn more about the Chief’s sustainability efforts from team leadership and partnership opportunities from environmental leaders, including:

• Keynote speaker: Kristin Riott, Bridging The Gap executive director
• Sustainability Partnerships at Arrowhead Stadium: Brandon Hamilton, K.C. Chiefs vice president of stadium operations and facilities, moderating a panel with North America-BASF, Aramark and Populous
• Local Action for Transformative Change in the Community: Garrett Wong, Green Sports Alliance member services manager, moderating a panel with Kanbe’s Markets, Mid-America Regional Council and Climate Action KC
• Climate, Energy and Buildings – Keys to Efficiency: Julie Peterson, US Green Building Council – Central Plains director, moderating a panel with K.C. Chiefs, Walter Moore and ME Engineers
• Sustainable Infrastructure – Recycling in the Midwest: EPA Region 7 representative moderating a panel with Missouri Recycling Association and Ripple Glass
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Business and Sports: Speakers from Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and Kanbe’s Markets
• COVID / Health & Safety: Speakers from Children’s Mercy Hospital and Harvesters Community Food Network

Events will be held from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Arrowhead Stadium, 1 Arrowhead Drive, Kansas City, MO. Tickets are $50 – $100 and can be purchased online at Green Sports Alliance. For additional information about the event, contact [email protected].