As the National Bank Open presented by Rogers (NBO) gears up to begin this weekend in Canada, tennis enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling 12-day event. This year, the tournament is not only expanding in terms of player participation and matches but is also making significant strides towards sustainability. The ambitious goal is to achieve a net-zero and waste-free event by 2030, a target being pursued in collaboration with researchers from Waterloo, including Dr. Jennifer Lynes and Kari Gunton, a Master of Sustainability Management candidate from the Faculty of Environment.
Dr. Lynes shares, “We began our partnership last April. Their leadership is commendable, and they have a dedicated volunteer base passionate about environmental issues. Everyone is committed to ensuring Tennis Canada leads by example.”
Last year’s strategy involved implementing practical changes and conducting a survey and waste audit to assess current sustainability practices and identify challenges. New communication strategies and signage were introduced to highlight existing sustainability efforts. To boost engagement, waste sorting was gamified with a prize wheel managed by volunteers, offering sustainably sourced rewards, including tennis balls from the matches. These initiatives led to a 16 percent increase in landfill diversion compared to the previous year.
During the event, fans were surveyed about their awareness and involvement with the NBO’s sustainability initiatives. The survey provided valuable insights into waste disposal habits and perceived challenges, which are being used to enhance this year’s initiatives. Gunton notes, “One of the key findings from last year was the need to educate not only fans but also staff and volunteers about waste sorting. This year, we are piloting new training sessions to ensure resources are accessible to everyone.”
Innovative Partnerships and Initiatives
The team is also working with local charities to distribute surplus food and has partnered with a Waste Management company to reduce the amount of recyclables and compostables ending up in landfills. Efforts are being made to promote sustainability initiatives before the event, encouraging fans to bring reusable bottles and use public transit. Long-term goals include reducing direct emissions by incorporating more electric and hybrid vehicles for transportation and enhancing carbon emissions offsets.
Despite the challenges, the commitment to achieving these ambitious goals remains strong, showcasing that sustainability and sports can coexist. “2030 is a nice round number, but it’s not that far away,” Lynes remarks. Over the coming years, she and Gunton will continue collaborating with staff and volunteers to make meaningful progress toward their shared vision.
“It’s exciting to be at the forefront of sustainability in sports,” says Gunton, who has a personal connection to tennis, having been a nationally and internationally ranked player. She plans to pursue a career with Tennis Canada and other organizations to foster a sustainable future. “I believe this is the direction all professional tennis tournaments and high-level sports will eventually take,” she says. “It’s exciting to see Tennis Canada’s National Bank Open be among the first tournaments to pursue sustainability in a truly transparent and proactive way.”