As more and more sporting venues earn LEED certification, the U.S. Green Building Council says it is collaborating with the Green Sports Alliance. The alliance is a nonprofit organization supporting the development of green building initiatives in professional and collegiate sports.

USGBC will support the alliance in its efforts to accelerate the green sports movement by exploring LEED certification of sports stadiums across the country. Currently, 25 professional sports venues are LEED-certified, including Nationals Park, American Airlines Arena, and Soldier Field to name a few. The partnership will also explore additional engagement opportunities such as USGBC’s Green Apple Day of Service, a day for people across the globe to participate in green school service projects.

“Sports fans stepping into LEED-certified arenas, stadiums, ballparks, and more experience the benefits of green building firsthand with water conservation, energy efficiency, and responsible waste management,” said Rhiannon Jacobsen, director of strategic accounts for USGBC. “It was a natural fit for USGBC to partner with the Green Sports Alliance, which is dedicated to making professional sports healthier and more sustainable.”

USGBC and the Green Sports Alliance have jointly developed a toolkit focused on advancing green schools through sports, which encourages sports organizations to engage their communities in environmental stewardship through local projects.

To continue engaging the sports industry around its programs, USGBC will be joining the Green Sports Alliance at the 2013 Green Sports Alliance Summit Aug. 26-28 in New York City.