Game, set, and climate action at the US Open
The US Open is committed to taking climate action
We’ve come to the end of three weeks of tennis in New York. From the surprise early eliminations of Alcaraz, Djokovic, and Świątek to the dominating performances of Tiafoe, Fritz, Navarro and Pegula on home soil, we were spoilt with action.
This US Open also marked the 17th year of the United States Tennis Association’s sustainability program and dedication to improving the environmental performance of their Grand Slam tournament.
In 2019, the US Open pioneered sustainability in sports by becoming one of the first organisations in North America to sign the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework. By doing so, they joined Roland-Garros, Wimbledon, and the Australian Open in their climate change mitigation efforts.
“What the tennis and other sports sectors are doing in the fight against climate change is a model of collaboration: it is what is required from all sectors and industries to truly have an impact and inspire other industries to mobilize.”
James Grabert, Mitigation Director, United Nations
The Grand Slams are implementing sustainability initiatives
The US Open has recently joined the New York City Plant-Powered Carbon Challenge. It is a cross-sector initiative spearheaded by Mayor Eric Adams to reduce the environmental impact of the city’s food system and increase the provision of plant-based foods.
“We know it’s the right thing to do for the planet. We know that it’s going to improve the health of everyone who lives on this planet, and that’s important for the USTA and the US Open.”
Brian Hainline, USTA president
By doing so, the US Open commits to reducing its food-related emissions by 25% by 2030. To reach this target and increase its vegan offerings, the US Open will rely on Levy Restaurants, a catering provider supporting other sports organisations such as the Northampton Saints.
Levy Restaurants is currently locally sourcing 30% of their produce offered at the US Open, and its menu includes 3% vegan options and 18% vegetarian options.
From an infrastructure point of view, venues such as the Louis Armstrong and Grandstand stadiums have received LEED certification. This green-building certification recognises the stadiums' energy savings, water efficiency, and low-carbon design decisions.
The US Open also demonstrates how circular economy principles can be applied to sports. Tennis balls used in games and practices are donated to organisations throughout the United States, and some are donated to Recycleballs.
Recycleballs is a national initiative preventing tennis balls from ending up in landfills by reusing and recycling them. Collecting used tennis balls throughout the United States, they recover materials that are then leveraged to build infrastructure such as tennis courts.
The US Open can create waves of climate action in sports and society
By implementing its sustainability initiatives, the US Open has addressed two of its goals: reducing energy costs and meeting spectator expectations for green initiatives.
As signatories to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, they are committing to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and leveraging their platform to drive climate action.
That’s why spectators are shown environmental facts about the stadiums' construction and why the US Open’s sustainability initiatives are highlighted in the official program and stadiums.
As a sports organisation in the United States, they can influence and collaborate with leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and NHL to implement sustainability initiatives in their sports.
“Sports are hugely influential and can play a significant role in causing a ‘green’ ripple effect of enormous proportions, encouraging industries and consumers alike to improve the choices they make every day.”
Billie Jean King, former world No. 1 tennis player
More broadly, sustainability initiatives led by sports organisations such as the US Open can incentivize their industry partners to decarbonise and inspire spectators to implement changes in their daily lives.
