NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena have appointed aluminium company Novelis to become a sustainability partner, as the franchise seeks to become a zero-waste venue.
Novelis specialises in aluminium rolling and recycling, and will help State Farm Arena to become a TRUE zero-waste venue. TRUE – which stands for Total Resource Use and Efficiency – is a standard set by Green Business Certification, a sustainability and health certification and credentialing body.
Novelis will provide operational knowledge to organiser, sort and recycle aluminium and other materials at the stadium. The partnership will focus on promoting sustainability and recycling, as well as educating on a responsible and circular economy.
Steve Koonin, Hawks and State Farm Arena chief executive, said: “Over the past two years, we have made incredible strides towards our goal of becoming the first zero-waste venue in sports and live entertainment.
“We fully believe that as a leader in sustainability, Novelis is perfectly positioned to advise our leadership, educate our fans and help us accomplish this monumental feat.”
The premium suite level at State Farm Area will be known as ‘The Novelis Sustainable World Veranda Level’ as part of the partnership, with the aim of each suite to educate guests on the importance of sustainable practices.
Tom Boney, executive vice president and president, Novelis North America, added: “As the world’s largest recycler of aluminium, we want people to understand the environmental and economic value that comes from recycling their aluminium can, bottle or cup.
“We are proud to enable the use of more sustainable packaging in State Farm Arena and make recycling more convenient for fans in our hometown of Atlanta.”
The Hawks will also work with Novelis on other initiatives which include hosting an annual community service project and a ‘Green Game’ which is due to take place later in the season. There will also be an in-game segment highlighting a fan that has been utilising the compost, recycling and rubbish bins correctly at State Farm Arena.
Sofi Armenakian, Hawks and State Farm Arena director of sustainability and operations, said: “Having a partner like Novelis allows us to take our sustainability efforts to another level. We know that sports can make an impact far beyond the game itself, and it is paramount that we remain true to our community by practising sustainability.”
Image: Warren LeMay/CC0/Edited for size
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