Sustainability Practices Adopted by Tennessee Titans

In an era where environmental responsibility has become a global priority, sports franchises are increasingly leveraging their influence to drive positive change—and the Tennessee Titans are leading the charge in the NFL. Sustainability Practices Adopted by Tennessee Titans isn’t just a list of eco-friendly policies; it’s a comprehensive commitment to reducing the team’s carbon footprint, promoting environmental education, and inspiring fans and communities to embrace greener habits. From upgrading their home stadium to using sustainable materials in team operations, the Titans have integrated sustainability into every aspect of their organization, proving that professional sports can be both competitive and environmentally conscious. This focus aligns with Nashville’s own sustainability goals, making the Titans a key partner in the city’s efforts to build a more eco-friendly future.

Sustainability Practices Adopted by Tennessee Titans begins with a transformative overhaul of Nissan Stadium, the team’s home venue, to turn it into one of the most energy-efficient stadiums in the NFL. The centerpiece of this upgrade is a 10,000-square-foot solar panel installation on the stadium’s roof and parking garage canopies, capable of generating 1.2 megawatts of electricity—enough to power 15% of the stadium’s game-day energy needs, including lighting, video boards, and concession stands. The Titans have also replaced all traditional lighting with LED fixtures, cutting energy consumption for lighting by 60% and reducing heat output, which in turn lowers the stadium’s cooling costs. To address water waste, the stadium’s restrooms and concession areas now feature low-flow faucets and toilets, reducing water usage by 350,000 gallons annually. “Nissan Stadium is more than just a place to watch football—it’s a platform to show that large venues can operate sustainably,” said Titans Vice President of Operations Mike Kensil. These upgrades have not only reduced the stadium’s environmental impact but also earned it a LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, a first for any NFL stadium in Tennessee.

Sustainability Practices Adopted by Tennessee Titans also extends to the team’s day-to-day operations, from practice facilities to travel and merchandise. The Titans’ training facility in Nashville now uses 100% renewable energy, sourced from local wind and solar farms, to power its weight rooms, locker rooms, and offices. The facility’s landscaping has been redesigned with native plants that require minimal watering, eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers and reducing outdoor water usage by 70%. When the team travels for away games, they’ve partnered with airlines that use more fuel-efficient aircraft and offset the remaining carbon emissions by investing in reforestation projects in Middle Tennessee. Even the team’s merchandise has gotten a sustainable makeover: all official Titans jerseys and apparel are now made from recycled plastic bottles, with each jersey repurposing approximately 20 bottles, and the team has eliminated single-use plastic packaging for all retail items. “Sustainability isn’t a one-time project—it’s a way of doing business,” said Titans Director of Sustainability Sarah Johnson. “Every decision we make, from how we power our facilities to what we put in our team store, is evaluated through an environmental lens.”

Sustainability Practices Adopted by Tennessee Titans has also created opportunities for the Tennessee Titans to engage fans in environmental action, turning game days into a platform for community-wide sustainability. At every home game, the team hosts “Green Zones” in the stadium parking lot, where fans can drop off recyclables, learn about local environmental organizations, and pick up free reusable tote bags and water bottles to reduce single-use plastic waste. The Titans have also launched a “Zero-Waste Game Day” initiative, aiming to divert 90% of stadium waste from landfills by 2026. To achieve this, they’ve added compost bins throughout the stadium, trained concession staff to sort waste properly, and partnered with local food banks to donate unused, safe-to-eat food from games—last season, this program donated over 5,000 meals to families in need. The Tennessee Titans even reward fans for sustainable behavior: those who arrive at games via public transit, bike, or carpool receive discounts on concessions and entries into a raffle for free tickets. “Our fans are our biggest partners in this journey,” said Johnson. “When we give them simple, actionable ways to be more sustainable, they embrace it—and that’s how real change happens.”

Sustainability Practices Adopted by Tennessee Titans reflects the Tennessee Titans’ commitment to using their platform to educate young people about environmental stewardship. The team has partnered with Nashville Public Schools to launch “Titans Green Teams,” where students work with Titans players and staff to implement sustainability projects in their schools—like starting recycling programs, planting school gardens, and reducing energy usage in classrooms. Each year, the Titans host a “Sustainability Summit” for local students, featuring workshops on renewable energy, conservation, and climate science, led by environmental experts and Titans players. Last year, over 1,200 students participated in the summit, and their school projects collectively reduced carbon emissions by 10 tons. The Tennessee Titans have also created a “Sustainability Scholarship” for high school seniors planning to study environmental science or related fields, awarding $5,000 annually to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to environmental action in their community. “We believe that educating the next generation is the most important part of our sustainability work,” said Titans President Burke Nihill. “If we can inspire young people to care about the environment, we’re building a better future for Nashville and beyond.”

Sustainability Practices Adopted by Tennessee Titans ultimately represents a new standard for professional sports franchises, showing that winning on the field and protecting the planet can go hand in hand. The Titans’ efforts have not only reduced their environmental impact but also earned them national recognition: in 2024, they were named the NFL’s “Most Sustainable Team” by the Sports and Sustainability International organization, and they’ve become a model for other teams looking to adopt eco-friendly practices. For the Tennessee Titans, sustainability is more than just a trend—it’s a core value that aligns with their mission to be a responsible member of the Nashville community. As they continue to expand their efforts—including plans to install more solar panels, launch electric vehicle charging stations at the stadium, and partner with local farms to source food for concession stands—the Titans are proving that sports can be a powerful force for environmental good. In the end, Sustainability Practices Adopted by Tennessee Titans isn’t just about the team—it’s about building a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone who calls Middle Tennessee home.