Two Delaware North Sportservice locations were recently awarded certification under the TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) rating system administered by The Green Business Certification Inc.
TRUE helps facilities measure, improve and recognize zero-waste performance by adopting sustainable waste management and reduction practices, which contribute to positive environmental, health and economic outcomes.
Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle continues to serve as a leader in sustainability and received TRUE Platinum certification in April, a testament to Delaware North’s culinary and operations teams leading sustainable practices. Climate Pledge Arena, where Delaware North provides hospitality services, is the first venue on the West Coast to receive the certification by maintaining a waste diversion rate of 93%. This accomplishment was earned in less than three years since opening in October 2021.
“The commitment to sustainability and achievement of this award is a result of the team members’ dedication at the arena,” said Steve Dominguez, general manager for Delaware North at Climate Pledge Arena. “From day-to-day operations to the creation of new menus to sourcing sustainable packaging and ingredients, we maintain our focus on the supply chain, waste and emissions to build a better future,” Dominguez said.
Molly De Mers, executive chef for Delaware North at Climate Pledge Arena, said sustainability is at the forefront of the team’s culinary operations.
“We’ve built and maintained programs to divert items from landfills, including surplus food donations and a recycling and composting program,” De Mers said.
UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y., received TRUE Silver certification in May for waste diversion. UBS Arena, which opened in late 2021, altered its output through actions led by Delaware North team members to eliminate single-use landfill-bound items and introduce new signage at each waste receptacle.
An excerpt from a Sports Business Journal article covering the certification is below:
The venue invested in time, staff and space to create a zero-waste workroom on site to assist in the sorting of all materials. UBS Arena F&B provider Delaware North and trash collection company Winters Bros. contributed to the effort.
During the year, data was collected to establish TRUE certification, and the arena diverted 95% of waste from landfills, with more than 1.5 million pounds of material composted or recycled. An estimated 300 metric tons of CO2 was kept out of the atmosphere, with another 55,000 pounds of unnecessary material reused or donated.
Delaware North’s teams at Climate Pledge and UBS arenas work closely with the venues’ operators and are guided by Delaware North’s GreenPath® program to help reduce waste through sustainable practices, including:
- Eliminating all single-use plastic and sourcing recyclable or compostable items
- Implementing onsite waste management programs with support from trained team members and third-party vendors
- Introducing new signage in front- and back-of-house spaces to engage and educate team members and guests on recycling and waste measures
- Maintaining robust hyperlocal food sourcing programs and surplus food donation initiatives