Brian McCullough

This textbook is the first in its kind to be specifically designed for a cross disciplinary course focusing on the intersection of environmental sustainability and sport management. While there are other texts on the subject matter, this text provides a broad array of topics that sport professionals encounter on a daily basis that will benefit from an environmentally sustainable perspective. The text is theoretically based and empirically driven to add context to previous environmental efforts… Show more

This textbook is the first in its kind to be specifically designed for a cross disciplinary course focusing on the intersection of environmental sustainability and sport management. While there are other texts on the subject matter, this text provides a broad array of topics that sport professionals encounter on a daily basis that will benefit from an environmentally sustainable perspective. The text is theoretically based and empirically driven to add context to previous environmental efforts of individual sport organizations and emerging trends of sustainability in the sport industry. Show less

Across the world, organizational personnel in various industries are integrating natural environment issues into existing organizational practices. In the intercollegiate sports world, environmental efforts are undertaken as part of a strategic effort involving collaborative processes across university units. The purpose of this study is to develop a more comprehensive and detailed understanding of collaborative processes and practices between personnel in athletics departments and… Show more

Across the world, organizational personnel in various industries are integrating natural environment issues into existing organizational practices. In the intercollegiate sports world, environmental efforts are undertaken as part of a strategic effort involving collaborative processes across university units. The purpose of this study is to develop a more comprehensive and detailed understanding of collaborative processes and practices between personnel in athletics departments and sustainability offices at universities and colleges in the United States. In-depth interviews were conducted with athletics and sustainability department personnel at colleges and universities in the United States. A total of 13 schools were included in the study with 17 participants agreeing to be interviewed. All interviewees were from the middle management level and higher in their respective organizations. Five central themes related to these relationships were found: relationship development, relationship communication, relationship decision-making development, collaborative efforts, and relationship challenges. The themes raise important issues about the diversity of relationships, the communicative and decision-making processes, and the involvement of stakeholders in environmental efforts as well as future research in this area. Show less

** Voted Best Paper for 2014 by the Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics **

The purpose of this study was to examine how environmental education efforts at a sporting event related to environmental behavioral intentions, in the context of a promotional green game, based on value-belief-norm (VBN) theory. A total of 2,700 respondents, who attended an intercollegiate Division I football game with an environmental sustainability promotional theme, completed an online survey… Show more

** Voted Best Paper for 2014 by the Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics **

The purpose of this study was to examine how environmental education efforts at a sporting event related to environmental behavioral intentions, in the context of a promotional green game, based on value-belief-norm (VBN) theory. A total of 2,700 respondents, who attended an intercollegiate Division I football game with an environmental sustainability promotional theme, completed an online survey. Structural equation modeling was applied to examine the linkages between values, beliefs, norms, and behavioral intentions. The results found that a majority of fans recognized or participated in green game game-day activities and fans expected athletic departments to incorporate environmental sustainability actions and education in athletic events. Tests of the VBN model found respondents’ values, beliefs, and norms significantly predicted pro-environmental behavioral intentions at the sport event and everyday life. This was the first study to examine environmental education related to fan behavior in a sporting context. The findings provide evidence that through environmental education, sport organizations may impact fan environmental behavior intentions, further emphasizing the importance of environmental educational actions by sport organizations. Show less

Problem statement: The sport industry recognized the impact it has on the natural environment and developed strategies to address relevant issues. This concern triggered two environmental initiatives: reducing the ecological footprint and using sports as a means to raise environmental awareness.Purpose of study: This presentation provides an overview of the scholarly work on environmental sustainability in sport. We present examples of environmental programs adopted by sport organizations… Show more

Problem statement: The sport industry recognized the impact it has on the natural environment and developed strategies to address relevant issues. This concern triggered two environmental initiatives: reducing the ecological footprint and using sports as a means to raise environmental awareness.Purpose of study: This presentation provides an overview of the scholarly work on environmental sustainability in sport. We present examples of environmental programs adopted by sport organizations around the world and discuss the current state of environmental efforts.Methods: Semi-structured interviews, website analysis, and published documents were used in the analysis. Data were analyzed through qualitative methods to identify themes representing the current status of environmental efforts in sport.Finding and results: Sport organizations are proactively addressing the negative environmental impact of their operations producing outcomes including increasing organizational legitimacy, averting legal recourse, saving money, and building stronger relationships with key stakeholders. Results also illustrate the challenges associated with the successful adoption of environmental programs such as communication issues and available organizational resources.Conclusions and recommendationsThe trend is for sport organizations to expand and implement current environmental initiatives. The current focus on the environment in sport is expected to continue due to social values and expectations of stakeholders, government intervention, and mandatory requirements for certain certifications (e.g., LEED). Sport organizations need to develop partnerships with industry experts and within sport leagues to continue their efforts. As environmental awareness grows, sustainable sports offer a platform from which to address these issues and contribute to a sustainable future. Show less

The purpose of this paper is to further the understanding of sport spectator recycling behaviour. Specifically, the author utilises the theory of planned behaviour to understand how attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural controls influence sport spectator recycling behaviours during a large-scale sporting event. Findings indicate that recycling at a large-scale sporting event has nuances that differentiate the context unique from other settings (e.g., household and workplace… Show more

The purpose of this paper is to further the understanding of sport spectator recycling behaviour. Specifically, the author utilises the theory of planned behaviour to understand how attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural controls influence sport spectator recycling behaviours during a large-scale sporting event. Findings indicate that recycling at a large-scale sporting event has nuances that differentiate the context unique from other settings (e.g., household and workplace recycling). Recommendations for policy makers and sport managers are made to increase spectator participation in recycling efforts while attending large-scale sporting events. Show less

In drawing from the theory of planned behaviour, the purpose of this research project was to examine factors that influence sport spectators' intentions to recycle plastic bottles. In Study 1 (n = 144 students), the authors developed and provided validity evidence for a questionnaire measuring recycling behaviour. In Study 2, data were collected from adult spectators (n = 129) who were attending a weekend-long youth baseball tournament. Results point to the importance of subjective norms and… Show more

In drawing from the theory of planned behaviour, the purpose of this research project was to examine factors that influence sport spectators' intentions to recycle plastic bottles. In Study 1 (n = 144 students), the authors developed and provided validity evidence for a questionnaire measuring recycling behaviour. In Study 2, data were collected from adult spectators (n = 129) who were attending a weekend-long youth baseball tournament. Results point to the importance of subjective norms and other spectators' recycling expectations. In all, the model explained 30% of the variance in recycling intentions. Implications for theory and policy development are discussed. Show less

The purpose of this paper is to articulate a conceptual model of how and why sport organizations engage in environmentally-friendly business practices. In drawing from multiple theoretical frameworks (i.e., institutional theory, upper echelon theory, identity theory), we argue that functional, political, and social pressures are likely to positively influence an organization to adopt green management techniques. These relationships are thought to be moderated by the top management team's… Show more

The purpose of this paper is to articulate a conceptual model of how and why sport organizations engage in environmentally-friendly business practices. In drawing from multiple theoretical frameworks (i.e., institutional theory, upper echelon theory, identity theory), we argue that functional, political, and social pressures are likely to positively influence an organization to adopt green management techniques. These relationships are thought to be moderated by the top management team's disposition toward environmentalism. Possible outcomes of these changed business practices include cost savings, increased competitive advantage, goodwill perceptions among consumers, and increased fan identification. Show less

As the environmental movement continues to grow steadily around the world, sport organizations are facing increasing calls to reduce the negative impacts of their facilities and events on the natural environment. Given the wide popularity of professional sport across cultures, the adoption of pro-environmental initiatives by prominent teams also has the potential to inspire positive social change among spectators and fans. For organizations, perhaps the most visible symbol of environmental… Show more

As the environmental movement continues to grow steadily around the world, sport organizations are facing increasing calls to reduce the negative impacts of their facilities and events on the natural environment. Given the wide popularity of professional sport across cultures, the adoption of pro-environmental initiatives by prominent teams also has the potential to inspire positive social change among spectators and fans. For organizations, perhaps the most visible symbol of environmental stewardship is the construction (or retrofitting) of pro-environmental arenas, ballparks, and stadiums. Despite their growing popularity, eco-friendly sports facilities represent less than 40% of new stadium constructions in North America, a figure likely to disappoint environmental activists. To provide insight into the decision to adopt pro-environmental facility designs, we investigated the link between social change and sustainable design. Interviews with 13 stadium architects revealed mixed opinions about whether the broad environmental movement has influenced decision-making in sport. This lack of consensus presents challenges for advocates hoping to persuade owners to adopt sustainable facility designs in the future. In addition to in-depth analysis of the interviewees’ testimonies, implications and directions for future research are provided. Show less