It's Great to Go Green! What we're doing:

We are committed to the University's Zero Waste Goal and work in partnership with the UF Office of Sustainability.

In association with partner Neutral Gator, the Gators held the first Carbon Neutral NCAA Football Game, the first Carbon Neutral football season and are home to the first Carbon Neutral athletic department.

The James W. "Bill" Heavener Football Complex is the first LEED Platinum athletic facility in the country, and the first LEED Platinum Facility in the state of Florida.

is the first LEED Platinum athletic facility in the country, and the first LEED Platinum Facility in the state of Florida. The UF athletic program was recognized as one of 10 case studies of leadership in the Nation for the National Resources Defense Council's Collegiate Game Changers Report - 8/26/13.

UF was the fifteenth Collegiate Member of the Green Sports Alliance and the first university from the SEC to join.

We are moving toward our goal of Zero Waste athletic events by utilizing composting along with recycling at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. 2013 marked the first season of the program, which resulted in a 78% landfill diversion rate by the last game of the season.

Gameday Changes at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

As of 2013, every item sold inside the stadium is designated as either compostable or recyclable. Containers located throughout the stadium are labeled with signs and photos directing them to the appropriate location for their items. Compostable materials are hauled by waste partner WCA to Watson C&D to be turned into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Everyone plays an important role in our goal to be the first Zero Waste stadium in the SEC. Please help us by taking an extra moment to make sure your waste is going into the right bin. It's Great to Go Green!

Green Tailgating Tips

What You Can Do

Know what is recyclable OUTSIDE of the stadium: glass and plastic bottles, aluminum cans; and what is NOT: red solo cups, cardboard, Styrofoam and food items.

For popular tailgating spots further from the core of campus, look for the self-service TailGator Green Team Recycling Stations to pick up blue recycling bags for glass and plastic bottles and aluminum cans.

TailGator Green Teams make the rounds on game days, handing out blue recycling bags for glass and plastic bottles and aluminum cans. When the bag is full, tie it closed and leave it next to a trash or recycling can for pick-up.

Visit the Sustainable UF tent at Fan Fest to play games, win prizes, and learn how we're helping athletics go green.

Carpool to your tailgate spot, and encourage visitors to ride the bus, ride a bike, or walk to come cheer on the Gators with you.

Buy tailgating supplies with recycled content, and in bulk. You'll reduce packaging waste and save money!

Buy locally sourced food: Decreasing the distance that your food has to travel will reduce your carbon footprint and support the local economy.

Bring a reusable water bottle for tailgating. You can refill your bottle at a number of water fountains on campus, including inside the Reitz Union.

When you do your tailgate shopping, bring your own reusable bags. They're easier to carry and create less trash!

Consider offsetting your travel to the game with Neutral Gator.

Energy and Climate Change

The Gators were the first athletic program in the country to be carbon neutral, part of UF's goal to be carbon neutral by 2025. The UAA, in partnership with the UF Office of Sustainability and Neutral Gator, an initiative of the nonprofit Earth Givers, LLC, began by offsetting Gator football in 2008, followed by a renewed and expanded commitment that offset all athletic activities (operation of facilities and team travel).These offsets are unique because they are all generated locally, benefitting our community and the state of Florida.

What is carbon neutrality?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced when fossil fuels, like coal and gas, are used for transportation or energy production. As CO2 builds in our atmosphere it acts as a greenhouse gas, trapping heat which affects the Earth's temperature and contributes to climate change. One way to help mitigate the effects of CO2 and other greenhouse gasses is to offset emissions through intentional efforts to reduce emissions or capture CO2. For more information check out this UF/IFAS fact sheet.

UF and the UAA take a two-pronged approach to carbon neutrality: reducing our output of carbon emissions, and offsetting what we do emit.

Collaboration of the University of Florida, UF Health, and the University Athletic Association, Inc.

The waste contract finalized by the University of Florida and awarded to Waste Corporation of America (WCA) was the first of its kind. Never before have the three separate entities of a major University, a major Health Organization, and a BCS-sized athletic department come together to collectively negotiate a service contract.

Zero Waste

Recycling - Athletic venues across campus provide recycling bins for fans. All cans, bottles and souvenir cups sold at concession stands are recyclable.. Recycling bins were added to the football stadium in 2009, helping to divert waste from the landfill.

Composting

With the cooperation of our concessions partner, Centerplate, WCA, and Watson C&D, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium has transitioned to compostable options for many concession wares and catered spaces. All paper products, utensils, straws, and food waste will go in marked composting containers instead of trash cans. Signs are located near waste stations throughout the stadium instructing fans on how to properly sort their recycling and compostable items. Look out for the Green Team volunteers if you have questions about composting during home football games.

Learn more

Waste Reduction

All leftover food from the Boosters' stadium boxes and vending is donated within the community, helping to reduce waste and feed hungry within Gainesville.

Green Games

For many home athletic events, we host "Green Games" throughout the season. The University Athletic Association, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability and Neutral Gator, use these Green Games as opportunities to educate fans about sustainability at UF and to provide tips and information for fans to make positive changes in their own lives. Additionally, UAA staff are working with sponsors to green their giveaways and tell their own sustainability stories.

TailGator Green Teams - Since 2006, the Office of Sustainability coordinates a volunteer-based recycling program on football game days. Volunteers in high traffic areas distribute blue recycling bags to fans, along with instructions on what is and is not recyclable. Inside the stadium, volunteers sort recyclables into bins and educate fans as they work in the concourses.

Green Tailgating Tips

Facilities and Built Environment

In coordination with UF's commitments and the national U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, the new Donald R. Dizney Stadium at the Florida Lacrosse facility achieved LEED Gold certification. Additionally, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is home to the first LEED platinum facility in the state of Florida and the first LEED platinum athletic facility in the nation: the James W. "Bill" Heavener Football Complex. In addition, the Gymnastics Practice Facility is Gold Certified, the Golf Course Club House Renovation is Silver Certified, and the Baseball Locker Room is a Certified project.

What makes Kornblau Foyer inside the James W. "Bill" Heavener Football Complex green?

LEED certification is based on site/location planning, energy use, water management, materials used, indoor environmental quality and innovation in the design process. The Heavener Complex's energy-saving features surpass state and national standards requirements by 35 percent, incorporating materials that make the heating and air conditioning systems more efficient.

A few key features: