777787 - Green Sports Management Certificate

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce students to environmental management of the sport industry. Through case studies, discussions and practical exercises, students will gain an understanding of the components of a successful environmental sustainability program. We will evaluate sporting leagues, individual teams, collegiate programs, as well as venues and arenas that are implementing environmental programs into their operations.

The sports industry is much more than the teams that are taking the field. In today’s world of sports, managers must be aware of all components of their organization. The sports industry has the ability to impact and influence our communities and many sports organizations are evaluating their environmental impacts. One way the industry is changing is through the promotion of healthy and sustainable communities. Sports leagues, franchises, colleges, teams, venues are looking to embrace environmental programs: Renewable energy, water conservation, recycling and zero waste programs, sustainable purchasing, safer chemicals, and environmentally friendly practices. This course is designed to introduce students to sustainability within the sports industry. 

Additionally, we will look at environmentally focused event management. Students will receive a first-hand, real-world focus throughout the course, while simultaneously being exposed to a handful of key tactics and skills needed for success in the field. In addition, industry leaders will be featured throughout the course and best practices on core topics to provide students with a look at how organizations implement environmental sustainability and social responsibility programs. 

Course Outline

Unit 1

1. Environmental Movements
2. History of Environmental Movements
3. History of National Parks Sustainability
4. Defining Sustainability

Unit 2   

1. Going Green
2. Organizational Participation in Sports
3. Making the Case for Sustainability in Sports
4. The Sports Industry

Unit 3   

1. Sustainable Marketing
2. Strategic Planning
3. Corporate Social Responsibility
4. Environmental Mission Statements
5. Marketing Sustainability through Sports

Unit 4   

1. Partnerships and Sponsorships
2. Greenwashing
3. Olympic Games Sustainability

Unit 5

1. Professional Sports
2. Beyond the Big 4
3. Policy and Legal Aspects

Unit 6

1. Facility and Team Operations
2. Return on Investment
3. Green Certifications

Unit 7

1. On Campus
2. What is UF Doing
3. The Importance of Green Campus Sports
4. Fan Engagement

Unit 8

1. Climate Change, Food Systems and Sustainability
2. Sustainability and Social Issues

Course Requirements:

• Writing Assignments
• Coursework Assignments
• Discussion Boards
• Exams
• Final Project

Learner Outcomes

Upon completion of this course students are expected to successfully:

• Identify the components of an environmental sustainability plan
• Analyze and differentiate between the components of environmental sustainability.
• Comprehend and justify the importance of establishing transparency and credibility with environmental programs
• Research and analyze the motivations behind making the case for sustainability in sports
• Research and evaluate key reasons sports organizations are implementing of sustainability programs and what impact it has made on the sports industry
• Evaluate stake holder groups and target audiences' impact on sustainability programs
• Compare how different organizations market their environmental programs and create consistency
• Identify key market trends that are revolutionizing the consumption and connection with fans
• Compare and contrast CSR programs and what differentiates corporations from sports organizations
• Distinguish and classify which organizations are “greenwashing”
• Identify and evaluate current trends in sustainability related social issues