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As part of a multi-year work scope with the NFL, ENGIE Impact led NFL Green’s sustainability operations for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, working to minimize environmental impact and create lasting positive change in the host community. This work represented a significant advancement in sustainable event management for one of the world's largest sporting events, successfully reducing waste, measuring and offsetting carbon emissions, and engaging stakeholders through enhanced communication.
The NFL's journey toward creating a more sustainable Super Bowl LIX involved tackling several complex environmental challenges. The organization faced multiple obstacles in its efforts to minimize the ecological impact of one of the world's largest sporting events.
ENGIE Impact implemented a sustainability strategy with three core pillars. The first focused on carbon footprint reduction, where ENGIE Impact conducted greenhouse gas accounting across a range of emissions and coordinated with the Host Committee to develop an energy procurement plan. The team worked closely with NFL Green vendors to identify decarbonization opportunities and secured zero-emission energy and carbon offsets through Entergy.
The second pillar centered on material recovery and waste diversion. ENGIE Impact expanded waste sorting and improved diversion rates at various events across Super Bowl week, creating new recycling systems at the Superdome by contracting specialized sorting services. The team hosted two Zero Waste Events (NFL House and Commissioner's Party) and oversaw the recovery and distribution of materials to local and regional organizations, ensuring resources were properly utilized.
The third pillar emphasized strategic communications. ENGIE Impact developed external communications, including signage at several events. Sustainability messaging was integrated on the official website and NFL OnePass app, while media opportunities were created with the Host Committee. Sustainability Teammates were deployed to engage with fans and attendees, and a Sustainability Committee was established with the Host Committee to ensure alignment and coordination of efforts.
ENGIE Impact's work with NFL Green delivered impressive results for Super Bowl LIX. On the environmental front, 250 tons of materials were recovered, representing a five-fold increase from the previous Super Bowl. The team delivered a Net Zero Energy Super Bowl and offsets for approximately 3,000 additional tons of CO₂, reducing the event's carbon footprint.
The strategic benefits were equally substantial. Stakeholder engagement improved relations with fans, vendors, and venues, positioning the NFL as a sustainability leader in sports. The initiative strengthened appeal to environmentally conscious Gen Z and Millennial fans, an increasingly important demographic for the league. Additionally, it set up the NFL to manage waste diversion and clean energy regulations at future events, providing a framework for continued progress.
The initiative demonstrated that sustainability is not just an environmental imperative but a strategic investment that delivers tangible returns while building brand loyalty and community goodwill. Through innovative approaches to waste management, carbon reduction, and stakeholder engagement, ENGIE Impact and NFL Green established a new standard for sustainable event management that will influence future Super Bowls and other major sporting events for years to come.
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