1. 22 greenliving | January 2017 greenlivingaz.com
INNOVATION
WASTE AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:
• Partnering with the NCAA to host “Zero Waste” Final Four
events. Aim for more than 90 percent waste diversion at the
Final Four events, including Fan Fest and Music Fest.
• Hosting the LG Electronic Waste Drive to collect and recycle
all electronic devices.
• Scrim diversion and banner repurposing to ensure that
more than 90 percent of waste is being reused or recycled
from the events.
ENERGY AND WATER:
• Partnering with the NCAA to outfit low income and Section
8 housing with energy efficient products.
• Collaborating with the Northern Arizona Forest Fund and
SRP to offset water and watershed impact locally in Arizona.
• Providing photo booths at all Final Four events that educate
fans and utilize each pledge to restore 1,000 gallons of water.
T
he 2017 Phoenix Final Four host committee is
challenging themselves to make the events the most
sustainable to date. The Phoenix Local Organizing
Committee (PLOC) has assembled a team of sustainability
experts to work with the NCAA to leave a lasting impact and
legacy following the Final Four. This team will be tasked
with coordinating projects such as Fan Fest and Music Fest
in Downtown Phoenix to ensure they are environmentally
friendly events that leave little footprint.
The PLOC will strive to create a plan to improve
transportation methods, energy efficiency, water quality,
reduced carbon output, recycling, and waste diversion during
the games and events. A scorecard and playbook will be
created to showcase the progressive change and legacy the
games have left in the state of Arizona. The playbook will
highlight the Phoenix Final Four’s accomplishments and
suggest areas of improvement that will then be passed along to
future Final Four committees to further advance sustainability
initiatives with the college basketball tournament.
TRANSPORTATION:
• A partnership with Grid Bikes bike share program to
encourage visitors and locals to reduce fossil fuel use
during the events.
• Bike valets placed throughout the Final Four events to help
facilitate and encourage attendees to bike to the events.
• Designated RideShare pickup and drop off locations at
all events.
• No Idle Zones at events to reduce greenhouse gasses and
promote air quality.
BY BRET SCROGGINS
SUSTAINABILITY GOALS AND INITIATIVES

2. greenlivingaz.com January 2017 | greenliving 23
INNOVATION
KEYNOTE: Reimagining Community in the Age of Empowerment
Kim Lear, Founder, Inlay Insights
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SCORECARD AND PLAYBOOK:
• Frame the playbook off of CRS/GRI/GSA guidelines.
• Track and showcase goals throughout the events with real
time measurements and updates.
• Gold or Evergreen Certification through the Council for
Responsible Sport.
• Highlight the 2017 Phoenix Final Four’s accomplishments
and suggestions to be passed to future Final Four events.
The NCAA Final Four events will take place April 1-3. For more
information on the Final Four’s green initiatives and to attend the events,
visit phoenixfinalfour.com.
Bret Scroggins is a student at Arizona State University studying
Business: Sports and Media Studies. He is an advocate of utilizing the
power of sports to change and promote sustainable behaviors within
the community.
Photos courtesy of the NCAA.
Read more articles on innovation at greenlivingaz.com/innovation
Phoenix’s historic Harmon Park will be refurbished as an NCAA
Legacy Restoration. The 2017 Final Four’s impact will last long
after the event.