This is an optional Innovation & Leadership credit. These credits recognize exemplary practices and performance above and beyond what is recognized in standard credits and may not be relevant to every institution. Scoring in the Innovation and Leadership section is capped at 4 bonus points total.
For details about this credit, including the criteria, reporting timeframe, applicability, scoring, and more, please review the full credit language:
- Green Athletics (Version 2.2)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a formal athletics program have to be in place, or can we count practices related to green athletics?
Yes, a formal program must be in place and green athletics practices must be followed regularly. Simply referencing occasional green athletics efforts in the absence of a formal program is not sufficient.
We don’t yet have a green athletics certification but would like to start one. What does this look like?
Green athletics certification involves formally recognizing sports teams that integrate sustainability into their culture and practices through a standard set of measures. See Yale University’s Green Team Certification Program and the Reporting Examples below for Swarthmore and University of Alberta.
Example Responses
- Swarthmore College – A formal green athletics program is in place, and content supports all affirmative responses. A student-developed athletics certification is referenced.
Common Issues Identified During Review
- An active green athletics program must be in place. Simply referencing green athletics efforts is not sufficient in the absence of a formal program.
- Descriptive response should support each affirmative response indicated at the top of the credit.