How it Works: NASCAR Green

 

How It Works: NASCAR Green

By Keith Waltz

Since its launch in 2008, NASCAR Green has grown into the largest sustainability program in all of sports, and one of the most powerful and impactful green programs in the public and private sectors.

Once coined “the dirtiest sport in America,” NASCAR now boasts the three largest green programs in sports: renewable energy, recycling and clean air.

As a result, a 2013 study revealed that 75 percent of NASCAR fans say they “believe the sport cares for the environment” and are “aware of NASCAR Green.”

Since the program’s inception, NASCAR has recycled more than 20 million bottles and cans; 600,000 race tires; and enough oil to power the Empire State Building for one year. The sanctioning body has also planted enough trees to completely offset carbon emissions for all NASCAR national series racing for the past five years, plus the next 18 years.

In addition, NASCAR has the largest renewable energy stadium project in the world – the solar farm at Pennsylvania’s Pocono Raceway – that powers more than 250 homes in the region. The sport also features teams, such as Roush Fenway Racing, that recycle as much as 96 percent of each race car.

As part of this year’s NASCAR Green program, race fans visiting NASCAR.com/green are treated to a redesigned digital destination, complete with easy-to-access information, news, an interactive carbon calculator and much more.