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The recently established Sports Sustainability United (SSU) is to host its inaugural Sports Sustainability Summits in Melbourne on 25th March and Sydney on 26th March.

Aiming to provide an opportunity for delegates to better understand supply-chain and sport-wide industry perspectives on sustainability opportunities and challenges, the Summits are aimed at individuals representing professional and local sport entities, local councils, government offices related to sustainability, venue managers, researchers and others interested in improving our communities.

The Summits will allow the sharing of knowledge, solutions, and best practices in managing challenges and seeking opportunities to improve the environmental impact of sport.

Supported by Deakin University and Sports Learning Australia, the events will be held at Deakin University's Deakin Prime Buiding on Melbourne's Bourke Street on 25th March and Sydney's Allianz Stadium on 26th March.

Divided into two key areas of Built Environment Innovations (development, planning and design of physical spaces such as venues) and Stakeholder Engagement Strategies (developing and communicating sustainability messages and actions), each Summit will include keynote addresses, case studies, industry panels and networking opportunities.

The aim of these full day events is to offer possible solutions and inspire action, small or large, towards achieving:

• Efficiencies and ecological consciousness in urban and regional development via outdoor space management (such as sport facilities, parks and community centres) best practices.
• Increasing participation in sport and recreation due to accessible and better-managed fields and facilities.
• Reducing financial and social costs associated with development through ecologically sustainable development (ESD).
• The invited speakers are identified industry leaders who either represent sport entities or work with the sport industry in addressing its sustainability challenges and opportunities.

Confirmed speakers for the Built Environment and Stakeholder Engagement panels include:

• Brad Mohr - Assistant Director of Ballpark Operations, Cleveland Indians, Major League Baseball;
• Simon Gorr - Stadium Development Manager, AFL;
• Brian Thurston - Business Development Manager, Sustainability Services, Waste Management;
• Darlene van der Breggen - Principal Urban Designer, Public Works, Government Architect's Office, NSW;
• Natalie Valentine - Manager - Simonds Stadium, Co-ordinator - Sports Venues, City of Greater Geelong;
• And other industry and community leaders.

Introducing SSU and the Summits, SSU Director, Dr. Sheila Nguyen, LEED Green Associate explains "we hope that these best practices and insights will provide the attendees and the sports community in general with solutions and ideas that will lead, inspire and educate them with ways to improve their ecological footprint."

SSU Director Michael Bokody adds "given the relevance of sustainability in modern society, the summit is open to those who are passionate about the environment and are initiating or developing sustainability strategies in either grassroots, community or professional sports.

"Not only will this summit be a great networking, knowledge sharing and development experience for anyone in sport but it will be a great opportunity for those providing services such a waste management, energy providers, recruitment and consulting services.

"We expect a diverse mix of people who will be able to connect, share experiences and develop key relationships."

SSU is an organisation dedicated to leading, inspiring, and educating the sport industry and its partners in ecological consciousness

Registrations for the summit can be made via Sports Sustainability United by clicking on the link below.

For more information call 03 9028 2555, www.sportssustainability.asia 

23rd December 2009 - A-LEAGUE PITCHES CAUSE CONCERN

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