The Environmental Innovators of the Year awards are given to both individuals and organizations for their tremendous work in the sports greening movement.
The NC State University Zero Waste Wolfpack (ZWW) program integrates fan experience with operational efficiencies and compost collections to reduce waste and promote sustainability at Wolfpack Athletic events. Since its launch in 2015, the diversion rate inside Carter-Finley Stadium has improved from 18% in 2015, to 44% in 2018 and showcasing an overall waste-to-landfill reduction of 39%. In 2018, more than 18,000 fans at every men’s and women’s soccer match and thousands of fans attending home track and field events were able to recycle, compost, and engage with the ZWW. ZWW students and community members have volunteered over 3,600 hours and actively collaborate with student and community groups such as NC State’s Hmong Student Association, National Society of Black Engineers, the City of Raleigh’s Youth Council and TATA YUVA.
