Program on the Environment

The University of Washington is a leading university in sustainability. Their efforts throughout campus are shown in many buildings, including some of their main sports facilities. Buildings are a major proponent of emitting greenhouse gases into our atmosphere adding to the issue of climate change. I worked with UW Department of Athletics in assessing current operational practices in Alaska Airlines Arena to ascertain methods to reduce their environmental impact as well as become more cost effective. This research looks at how student athletes and staff use the facility in order to recommend actions that will impact energy and water efficiency. This research seeks to answer: How can the understanding of behavioral operational aspects of the facility change energy and water usage? Through comparing how we consume energy and water to the financial respects of electricity, water and steam, we can see the potential areas of improvement that include economical benefits. It is our intent to provide the Athletics Department with information that results in operational changes that will reduce Alaska Airlines Arena’s environmental impact and utilities budget. In our research and analysis, it is found that there are areas and operational responsibilities that use energy unnecessarily. There are areas of operational inefficiencies.With the recommendations in consideration and possible implementation, the financial savings and the reduction in the environmental impact can also serve as a model for assessing other athletics facilities around the campus and the nation in hopes to increasing their sustainability.