Why we care
The Portland Trail Blazers are committed to blazing trails in sustainability, leveraging our platform to minimize environmental impact, and inspire fans, partners, and the broader community. Through our Live Greener program, we integrate sustainable practices across our operations, including energy, water, waste, food, and transportation, while fostering community engagement and education. The Trail Blazers have a long history of sustainability leadership. From co-founding the Green Sports Alliance in 2011, to being the first existing NBA arena to achieve LEED Platinum certification, to launching Rip City Reuse, an arena-wide, year-round reusable cup program, we continuously innovate to reduce waste, conserve resources, and enhance operational efficiency. Since 2017, the Trail Blazers have partnered with Change the Course to balance Moda Center’s annual water use through Water Restoration Certificates. To date, we have restored more than 9 million gallons of freshwater every year to the Middle Deschutes River and/or Whychus Creek, helping to revive critical habitats, support local communities, and strengthen the health of Oregon’s rivers.
How we make an impact
Through our sustainability platform, Live Greener, we engage fans and partners in simple, everyday ways to conserve water and protect the environment. In-arena activations, education campaigns, and special events, such as our annual Green Game, invite fans to connect personal actions, like water conservation at home, to collective impact on local rivers. Water restoration is a central part of our environmental strategy. Alongside CtC partnerships, the team has implemented water-saving measures across operations, including smart irrigation, high-efficiency fixtures, and green cleaning practices conserving millions of gallons each year. By combining operational improvements with community engagement, the Trail Blazers demonstrate how the influence of professional sports can advance responsible water stewardship in Oregon and beyond.
