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Offer electric vehicle charging stations
Forward thinking arenas can maximize their commitment to the environment, attract and promote better practices by having an EV charger available to arenas. Having an EV charging station sends a message of environmental consciousness to patrons and skaters alike. This lines up quite nicely with the other transportation alternatives to fossil fuel driven cars, such as public transportation, bike racks, ride sharing / carpooling, and premium parking for electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles and carpool vehicles. EV charging stations act as a billboard for sustainability initiatives, and invite people onto the property and provide an immediate talking point. Benefits: Level 2 charging station allows time for people charging their vehicle to come in to the arena and participate in an activity Allows users to top up during their time at the arena There may be rebates available from governments and utility companies Web resources: Arena offers free EV charging How the […]
Drive an electric ice resurfacer
There are a number of reasons for going electric. Electric resurfacers eliminate the pollution inside the arena in the form of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Both gases are dangerous exhaust gases given off by internal combustion engines. Electric ice resurfacers might be more expensive than propane or natural gas powered systems. However, much of this cost difference can be offset over time by lower operating costs. Some ballpark costs are: Propane fuel for a year is about $5,000; electricity is about $1,000. Maintenance for the internal combustion engine is about $5,000; for the electric, it can run to about $3,000. A one-time cost of $1,000 for a charging station will be required. What needs to be factored in is the cost of battery replacement at intervals of five to seven years. Current battery costs are estimated at about $12,000. The rapid pace of battery development and the savings accruing from […]
Encourage car pooling
The amount of cars coming and going to an ice arena is staggering. Many vehicles that arrive at the rink only have one user in them. Carpooling options, organizing and dedicated carpooling parking spots could be part of the measure taken to increase rider occupancy per vehicle arriving at the arena. Benefits: Less traffic at the arena Less air pollution Less stress for drivers driving to and finding parking at the arena Opportunity to network with other carpoolers Savings: Cost savings or cost sharing for vehicle fuel CO2 Web resources: The Sudbuy Star: EarthCare sets up carpooling parking lots Transport Canada: Carpooling trends in Canada and abroad Transport Canada: The links between public health and sustainable and active transportation
Establish no idling zones
Air pollution is harmful to everyone, but there are some people who are more at risk than others such as Children (14 and under) and older people (65 and older). They are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution and so are people with respiratory conditions, like asthma, or heart problems. Many facilities are introducing no idling zones immediately outside entrances to the building in consideration of air quality for the people who enter and exit. No-idling zones could be used as a way to decrease the level of pollutants those people most at risk are exposed to. Studies show that turning off an engine after 60 seconds will save fuel and reduce GHG emissions. Benefits: Better air quality Avoid burning fuel and producing CO2 emissions Idling for 10 seconds or more uses more fuel and produces more CO2 than restarting the engine Savings: Fuel GHG emissions Web Resources: NRCAN Idling […]
Appoint an internal Energy Manager
Arenas can appoint an internal representative to research, analyze and implement effective programs and operations processes to create greener arenas. Internal Energy Managers can assess current policies (e.g. recycling) and collaborate with stakeholders (e.g. utilities, local governments, user groups and environmental professionals, etc.) to make suggestions for sustainable green initiatives at their arena and can help to tap in into funding sources for efficiency upgrade equipment. Energy Managers can use information systems to track, manage, benchmark, and report energy, water, waste, emissions and other sustainability data. Information systems can be installed that include automated data exchange services that synchronizes utility and building data directly with the Energy Manager’s portfolio. Information systems enhance long-term value by increasing arena occupancy and revenue, reduce the risk of obsolescence, and strengthening user loyalty, all while reducing emissions to protect the environment. Benefits: Dedicated person that looks at the whole facility to leverage initiatives and reach […]
Recycle water from snow melt pit
The Scott Seamen Sports Arena, M.D. of Foothills #31 in Alberta, Canada has taken their snow melt pit one step further and installed a system that recycles the ice shavings which are melted within the pit and then treated and stored in an outside retention tank. This water is then put directly back into the Zamboni for the next ice resurfacing. The arena is saving 60% of the water (300,000 gallons out of the previously 500,000 gallons) and $40,000 in hauling fees. This solution could be transferred to all indoor ice arenas for any municipality striving to be more responsible with its potable water resources. Besides using recycled (grey) water for ice resurfacing, it can be used in washroom toilets and urinals and for landscaping and irrigation. Benefits: Cutting potable water consumption by 60% Safeguarding the community’s potable water supply Savings: Water Cost CO2 Web resources: Harvesting Floodwater from the Snow Melt Pit M.D. of […]
Choose recycled rubber for floor mats
Despite having already traveled tens of thousands of kilometers on a car, recycled rubber is given new life as it is transformed into an ever-growing number of innovative products. Floor mats made from reclaimed rubber can be used to stop slips in the common areas of skating arenas. Benefits: Durable recycled tire rubber doesn’t harden or crack when the temperature dips Using recycled material offers a viable way to dispose of rubber products Savings: Cost savings Conserves non-renewable petroleum Less energy used in the production process, Web resources: Re-think tires: Coming to an ice rink near you