The Green Sports Alliance has unveiled a groundbreaking guidebook aimed at protecting the future of our planet by reducing pollution associated with the sports and entertainment industry. 

The organization, also known as GSA, revealed its Energy Decarbonization Playbook on July 16, detailing its multitiered plan to be a leader in the environmental realm. 

“At the core of this playbook is our unwavering belief that sustainability and sporting excellence are not mutually exclusive. Rather, they are symbiotic, creating a powerful synergy that enhances the overall experience for athletes, fans, and the communities we serve,” GSA executive director Roger McClendon said (PDF) in a statement.

As the 64-page playbook details, sports venues require vast amounts of power during events, with the energy used during a football game equivalent to that consumed by around 10,000 homes during the same time frame. 

Considering that most energy in the country still comes from highly polluting fuels such as gas and oil, per the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the GSA is advocating for actions that would reduce the harmful environmental and public health impact while safeguarding the mental, physical, and economic benefits of sports and entertainment. 

The recommendations include: (1) accurate data collection; (2) improving efficiency through the adoption of Energy Star-approved electric appliances (which would also reduce energy costs); (3) continuing the transition to renewable power; and (4) investing in on-site battery storage to ensure non-polluting energy is available when needed (also helping to keep the lights on during extreme weather).