1.  BUSINESS CHALLENGE
In 2008, ÉEM was invited to develop a Green Plan for Tennis Canada, with a particular focus on the 2008 Roger’s Cup in Montreal. The challenge was to evaluate how Tennis Canada could operate more sustainably in its management of one of the premier tennis tournaments in the world.

2.  APPROACH AND STRATEGY
ÉEM evaluated Tennis Canada’s operations and their current sustainability initiatives, and identified five key objectives around which to structure a three-year Green Plan.  These five key objectives are:

•    Zero waste
•    Zero emissions
•    Water conservation
•    Elimination of toxic substances
•    Green procurement

ÉEM organised action items to address each objective and determined measurable indicators to track progress towards the objectives.

3.  SOLUTION
In order to maximise results and effect the greatest change in a short period of time, ÉEM recommended an immediate focus on two prominent objectives, Zero waste and Zero emissions, for year one of the three year plan. 

Much of the waste produced by the Roger’s Cup was related to food services.  Although Tennis Canada was already offering recycling stations, much waste food, serving supplies and packaging waste was being sent to landfill.  For the Roger’s Cup 2008, ÉEM assisted Tennis Canada in setting up a waste collection programme with collection stations for compostable wastes as well as recyclables throughout the site, accessible to spectators, caterers and suppliers. This was a first for a large sporting event in Quebec. ÉEM and Tennis Canada worked extensively with suppliers to ensure that only recyclable or compostable food and beverage containers were used at the tournament.

To reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, Tennis Canada continued to offer spectators complimentary transit tickets, a downtown shuttle service, and secure bicycle parking.  ÉEM also calculated the greenhouse gas emissions related to the stadium operation.  Where these could not be eliminated or reduced, Tennis Canada purchased Gold Standard carbon offsets from Planetair.  More structural-level energy conservation measures are being evaluated for future years, as are plans to develop a programme to encourage athletes to offset their travel emissions in partnership with the David Suzuki Foundation.

4.  RESULTS
For the first time, the 2008 Roger’s Cup diverted more waste from landfill by collecting compostables and recyclables than was sent to landfill. Almost 27 tonnes of materials were either recycled or composted, compared with 23 tonnes of waste sent to landfill.  Waste collection data indicate that the composting initiative helped divert food waste from spectators and kitchens, but that significant amounts of waste were still generated by pre- and post-event activities.  These data are critical in helping direct our waste reduction efforts in future years.

Tennis Canada was also successful in offsetting 41 tonnes of greenhouse gases, generated by use of stadium equipment, building cooling systems, corporate air travel, and the free shuttle for spectators.  Plans are underway to implement energy conservation measures once energy auditing has been completed at the site.

Tennis Canada surpassed many of its goals for the Roger’s Cup 2008, especially regarding the objective of Green Procurement.  Negotiations with suppliers resulted in the sourcing of FSC paper for tickets and programs, 100% recycled paper towels and toilet paper, biodegradable washroom soap, and biodegradable food containers.  By developing a strong relationship with its suppliers and the public, Tennis Canada is well-placed to implement future action items in its three-year Green Plan, and will continue to work closely with ÉEM towards achieving its sustainability objectives.