As the public becomes more aware of the environmental issues facing the world today, sports facilities are under increased pressure to turn to more environmentally friendly practices. Natural grass and other green spaces provide a variety of environmental benefits:
- In urban areas, green spaces help regulate air quality and climate, reduce energy consumption by countering the warming effects of paved surfaces, reduce noise and glare, recharge groundwater supplies, and protect lakes and streams from polluted runoff.
- Green spaces provide stormwater management. Landscaped areas reduce pollutants from leaching through the soil into the water supply or from entering surface water runoff. Natural grasses filter stormwater runoff and reduce sediment, nutrients, and other pollutants from entering water bodies.
- Natural turfgrass areas reduce heat buildup. Lawns can be 30 degrees cooler than asphalt and 14 degrees cooler than bare soil in the heat of summer. The cooling effect of an average size lawn is equal to about 9 tons of air conditioning.
- Reduced soil erosion. The fibrous root system of natural grass stabilizes soil on flat and sloped areas thereby reducing sediment transfer and providing dust control.
- Improved air quality. Natural turfgrass removes smoke, dust, and other pollutants from the air. Turfgrasses also provide carbon storage by capturing and using atmospheric carbon dioxide. A healthy natural grass soccer field can offset the carbon produced by a car driving 3000 miles.
SFMA has developed 4 infographics for you to promote the benefits of natural grass at your facility and to the public.
