On Monday, the University of Colorado became the first university in the country to sign on to the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework aimed at combating climate change.
Sports for Climate Action has two primary goals: First, using commitments and partnerships across the global sports community to combat climate change, and second, leveraging sports as a way to raise climate awareness and action.
According to a release announcing the move, CU joins other sports organizations such as the New York Yankees, the NBA, the Green Sports Alliance, the International Olympic Committee, the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics and FIFA as signatories to the framework.
From AB: A Look Inside Prominent Collegiate Sustainability Efforts
“We’re thrilled to be an early adopter of the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework,” CU athletic director Rick George said. “This is consistent with the leadership and excellence expected by CU Boulder students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans as we confront the critical issue of climate change.”
The move is the latest example of the university’s commitment to sustainability in athletics. Colorado was also the first D-I athletics department to develop an athletics sustainability program, and the first to implement a zero-waste program at all game day venues. The school has a number of facilities that have met LEED Platinum standards, including the basketball and volleyball practice facility as well as the net-zero-energy Indoor Practice Facility.
“Our athletic department’s commitment to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework is just the latest example of the great work going on at our university to positively impact humanity through leadership and innovation in sustainability,” Chancellor Philip DiStefano said in the release. “Athletics provides an excellent platform for raising the profile of these efforts and we’re proud to be at the forefront of this new framework.”
