Working and learning in a physical environment inspired by one of the nation's most renowned architectural and social innovators, the University of Virginia community has a strong commitment to the tenets and practices of sustainability. John Paul Jones Arena proudly supports this commitment and its responsibilities at all levels by providing initiatives designed to actively address climate change and environmental deterioration.
In 2019, the sports lighting was upgraded to LED and the control system was replaced, improving efficiency and increasing control capability to benefit all users at the Arena while also reducing energy consumption.
Prior initiatives implemented at John Paul Jones Arena that have also reduced cost while improving sustainability were promoted in a Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Virginia Pollution Prevention Case Study. Some highlights of the work include:
· Lighting and lighting control upgrades
· Building automation system optimization
· Water efficiency upgrades
· Landfill waste reduction
· Green cleaning measures
· A bioretention area for stormwater management.
During UVA Basketball games at John Paul Jones Arena, compostable products are used in all 19 suites and food waste from the kitchens serving the suites is also composted. The serving products are Eco-Products® provided by Aramark Catering. Within the student-athlete dining room, all kitchen food waste is composted.
“Green Games” at John Paul Jones Arena have volunteers who monitor the composting, recycling, and landfill stations to help fans sort their waste and who sweep the stadium following the game for programs, recyclables, and compostable materials. During the Winter 2020 Basketball Gameday Recycling Challenge, a waste diversion rate of 79% was achieved, placing UVA 1st in the ACC for diversion and 10th in the country. UVA won the 2018 Campus Engagement Case Study Competition Education and Awareness Campaign award for efforts supporting the Basketball GameDay Recycling Challenge at John Paul Jones Arena.
Additionally, JPJ earned the 2014 Green Attraction of the Year from the Virginia Green Program. Virginia Green is a network of tourism-related organizations and programs that are committed to reducing the environmental impacts of Virginia's tourism industry while promoting practical pollution prevention techniques.