Carbon Dioxide Emissions of spectators' transportation in collegiate sporting events: Comparing on-campus and off-campus stadium locations

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions related to spectator's transportation to collegiate football events is a significant consideration in the overall carbon footprint of collegiate sporting events. Transportation mode affects CO2 emissions per spectator and stadium location, specifically on- and off-campus locations affect the transportation mode chosen by spectators. The quantity of CO2 emissions generated from spectators' transportation to collegiate sporting events at an on-campus university stadium is compared to off-campus stadium. The transportation modes and miles traveled by spectators were modeled with GREET 2016 to estimate CO2 emissions. Significant differences were found between the two stadium locations regarding the spectators' choice of transportation mode and distance traveled. Implications are presented for environmental sustainability and planning.