ESPN’s continually growing commitment to environmentally friendly initiatives will be showcased at the 2013 ESPYs, as the event–for the fifth consecutive year–will be carbon neutral.  Additionally, the ESPYs will again be virtually waste-free through the implementation of stringent recycling and composting measures.

The 2013 ESPYs will be televised live from the Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live on Wednesday, July 17, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Carbon Neutral

ESPN will apply energy conservation strategies to minimize the use of fossil fuels and prevent pollution.  After reducing energy consumption wherever possible through innovative applications, the remaining greenhouse gas emissions will be mitigated through carbon offsets.

–        Solar power to be used on red carpet, press center, golf course;

–        Multi-passenger vehicles instead of individual limos to reduce vehicle miles driven;

–        Hybrid and flex fuel vehicles used for other transfers;

–        Energy efficient electronics used wherever possible;

–        Bioplastics instead of petroleum based plastics for all disposable foodservice products;

–        Waste grease collected from venue caterer and concessionaire and turned into biodiesel.

–        Hydrogen Fuel Cell to supply power to the Security Tent.

In 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012:

–        75% (2009) of vehicles used to transport show talent and VIPs to The ESPYs were hybrid or flex fuel vehicles.

–        The 2009 ESPYs reduced CO2 emissions by 23% from 2008.

–        In 2011 and 2012 hydrogen fuel cells we used to provide energy to parts of the show

–        The 2009-2012 ESPY shows offset their carbon emissions through investments in forest conservation programs.

Virtually Waste-Free

For the 2013 ESPYs, ESPN will divert at least 90% of the waste from every event surrounding the awards show. This includes two functions attended by more than 3,000 people, the ESPN Celebrity Golf Classic, as well as all the hotels. ESPN will accomplish this goal through innovative waste reduction and recovery strategies, strategic partnerships, ensuring proper lifecycle management of materials through careful procurement, and extensive recycling efforts.

In 2012, through comprehensive recycling, composting and responsible purchasing, the event generated half the total waste 2010 and 84% of all waste was diverted from the landfill.   Results will be posted as espn.com/espys.

Reduction techniques include:

–        Set and décor elements designed for reuse;

–        Locally rented items used wherever possible;

–        Purchasing consumables locally in bulk to reduce excess packaging waste;

–        Reusable water bottles and refilling stations to eliminate over 2,000 individual single-use bottles;

–        Necessary disposables carefully selected to ensure maximum recycled content, ability to be recycled or composted, and use of renewable and sustainable materials in the manufacturing process;

–        Extensive program to recover every possible recyclable material;

–        Beyond basic recycling of paper and beverage containers, construction and demolition debris, cardboard, food waste, electronics, even cooking grease will also be recycled (see below for specifics).

Awareness and Education Campaign

ESPN has developed an environmental awareness campaign to encourage individual participation beyond the scope of the event, inspire future productions and create lasting impact.

–        Staff specially trained to explain and implement environmental efforts;

–        Sustainable products featured throughout the production, with the environmental benefit of using each item explained;

–        Eco-facts played in-theatre for all ESPYs attendees during pre-show;

–        Environmental section on www.espn.com/espys  to share best practices;

Additional Environmentally Responsible Elements

Environmentally Responsible Purchasing

–         Cups, made from corn and fully biodegradable, and compostable serviceware used in all areas including crew catering, press tent, backstage hospitality areas and dressing rooms, and at venue concession stands;

–         Red carpet for arrivals is made from over 50,000 recycled water bottles, and will be reused after the event and recycled at the end of its usable life;

–         Forrest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood used wherever possible for set construction;

–         All paper products made from high post-consumer recycled content;

–         Non-toxic hand wash and cleaning products used in ESPY production offices and venue bathrooms;

–         Lanyards for staff credentials made from 100% recycled plastic bottles

–         Recyclable cardboard key cards for all partner hotels

Recycling

The following recyclable materials will be sorted on site in custom designed recycling containers and sent to specialized recycling facilities for maximum recovery:

–        Beverage containers (including, aluminum, plastic and glass);

–        Mixed office paper (including copier paper, newspaper and magazines);

–        Organic waste (food and plant waste) and all compostable products;

–        Cardboard;

–        Construction materials (including wood, drywall, and metal);

–        Used cooking grease;

–        Electronic waste (including printer cartridges, batteries, copper wire).

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