BOSTON, MA – On Earth Day, the Boston Red Sox highlighted a new study showing that Fenway Park ranks as the most environmentally efficient ballpark in Major League Baseball when it comes to embodied carbon - the emissions associated with construction materials and building practices. The analysis, conducted by GOAL (Green Operations and Advanced Leadership) and structural engineering firm Holmes US, shows that restoring and maintaining Fenway Park, rather than replacing it, has led to significantly lower environmental impact. Tonight, as part of Earth Day celebrations at Fenway Park, a representative from GOAL will present the ballpark with eleven medals for sustainability in pregame ceremonies before the 6:45 p.m. Red Sox-Mariners game, and fans who bike to the game will receive a free hot dog or pretzel courtesy of Aramark in a nod to greener travel.
The Case for Sustainability through Restoration
The average Major League Ballpark is 36 years old, with stadiums built to last fifty years. At 113 years old, Fenway Park has more than doubled that lifespan with a preservation first approach - one of the first commitments made by the club’s current ownership group when it assumed stewardship of the Red Sox in 2002, and it remains a guiding principle.
The decision to restore rather than rebuild has helped keep Fenway Park’s embodied carbon impact roughly three times lower than the league average, according to the data. Unlike operational carbon, which comes from day-to-day energy use, embodied carbon represents the “front-loaded” environmental cost of demolition, concrete, steel, and new construction. Over the past two decades, more than $400 million has been invested to preserve, enhance, and modernize Fenway Park - from upgrading mechanical systems and electrical infrastructure, to adding amenities - all while preserving the historic integrity of the ballpark.
“At first glance, Fenway Park may not seem like a modern green building,” said Jon Lister, Vice President, Ballpark Planning and Facilities Management. “It was built in 1912, it’s full of quirks, and it wasn’t designed with sustainability in mind. But the data from GOAL and Holmes has validated what we’ve believed all along, that preserving and restoring Fenway Park is one of the most environmentally responsible decisions we could have made. It shows that restoration isn’t just about honoring history - it’s a meaningful climate solution.”
In recognition of the club’s long-term efforts, GOAL has awarded eleven medals to Fenway Park across categories including energy and water efficiency, waste diversion, community resilience, and sustainable partnerships. The awards will be presented to the club in tonight’s pregame ceremonies.
Red Sox, Aramark Encourage Greener Travel with Earth Day Giveaway
The Red Sox and Fenway Park concessionaire, Aramark, are encouraging fans to choose more sustainable transportation options. Any ticketed fan who bikes to Fenway Park today will receive a complimentary hot dog or pretzel and water, courtesy of Aramark, when they show their bike valet voucher or Bluebikes receipt.
- Bike Valet: Fans who use Fenway Park’s complimentary bike valet, located across from Gate D at the corner of Van Ness and Jersey Street, can present their valet stub at Gate D Fan Services to receive their voucher. The bike valet opens 90 minutes before first pitch and remains available until 30 minutes after the game concludes.
- Boston Bluebikes: Fans who arrive via Bluebikes, Boston’s public bike-share system, may show their ride receipt from April 22 at the same location to receive the offer. Bluebikes stations are located throughout Boston and surrounding municipalities.
Other Earth Day Initiatives at Fenway Park
Throughout the game, the club will feature in-park activations to engage fans in sustainability efforts, including in-game video board messaging promoting recycling and responsible waste practices, and “Did you know?” environmental facts displayed throughout the ballpark. A postgame waste sort will be conducted in partnership with Aramark and Waste Management, two long-standing partners on waste diversion initiatives at Fenway Park. The Red Sox also partner with Coca-Cola and Waste Management on a variety of in-park sustainability efforts, including fan education and recycling programs. To learn more about greening efforts at the ballpark, visit redsox.com/greening.
About GOAL
GOAL (Green Operations and Advanced Leadership) is a sustainability platform that provides data-driven insights to sports and entertainment venues across the country.