News article
Austin’s Q2 Stadium earns TRUE Gold certification
Q2 Stadium, home of Major League Soccer’s Austin FC, has become the first soccer-specific stadium to earn Total Resource Use Efficiency (TRUE) Gold certification from Green Business Certification Inc.
According to Austin FC, Q2 Stadium is just the fifth sports venue globally to earn the certification.
Green Business Certification Inc is a US-based organisation that provides third-party credentialing and verification for rating systems relating to the environment.
To earn the certification, Q2 Stadium and Austin FC had to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability leadership by prioritising processes, operations and actions to reduce waste and resources. Q2 Stadium’s waste diversion initiatives form part of Austin’s FC’s Evergreen Sustainability Platform.
Introduced in 2011, Austin City Council adopted a citywide zero waste goal to reduce the level of rubbish sent to landfills by 90% by the year 2040. TRUE advisors worked with Austin FC to help the club achieve its sustainability targets. Since early 2023, the collaboration has helped to successfully divert 91% of all waste from Q2 Stadium from landfills, incineration (waste-to-energy) and the environment.
“Sustainability was an integral part of Q2 Stadium’s design and it continues to be a top priority as we strive to make the venue a home that Austinites can enjoy for years to come."
“Sustainability was an integral part of Q2 Stadium’s design and it continues to be a top priority as we strive to make the venue a home that Austinites can enjoy for years to come,” said Austin FC President Andy Loughnane. “It’s an honour to officially become the first soccer-specific stadium to earn this TRUE certification, in our commitment to a greener future.”
Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) has aided the club in achieving its zero waste objectives, creating a custom sorting system for Q2 Stadium. With this new system, materials discarded throughout Q2 Stadium are now processed and properly sorted into the correct recycling, compost, and waste streams through a mini Materials Recovery Facility (MRF).
“Q2 Stadium recognises that by pursuing zero waste they are helping us build a sustainable future for all,” said Peter Templeton, President and CEO of US Green Building Council and GBCI.
“Waste impacts all facets of business and changing the way that we use resources will deliver public health benefits, reduce our environmental impact and advance a greener economy.”
Image: Austin FC