Home to Austin FC, Q2 Stadium is a state-of-the art 20,738-seat, soccer-specific venue that features a natural grass playing surface and a signature canopy structure offering shade and coverage for all seats, while providing an unequaled event atmosphere. Beginning with the design and construction process, and while receiving LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council in November 2021, Q2 Stadium has maintained a constant commitment to sustainability. And after several years of enhancing its waste diversion operations, in 2024 Q2 Stadium became the first soccer-specific stadium in the world to achieve a full TRUE Certification.
While in pursuit of the TRUE certification Q2 Stadium implemented several strategies and practices focused on diverting as much waste as possible during events and day-to-day operations. Those strategies included the reimagination of the venue’s back-of-house spaces to establish a more effective on-site waste-sorting operation. In 2024, Q2 Stadium built a custom-designed Materials Recovery Facility in its existing waste collection space. The project included a system of conveyor belts and trash chutes meant to create a more efficient and comfortable space for the stadium’s waste sorting staff.
In addition to the physical renovations, Q2 Stadium’s zero-waste program features several other sustainable practices, including:
- Intentional choices at all concession and catering locations to utilize compostable materials (plates, napkins, cups, flatware, etc.) throughout the stadium.
- Implementation of stadium policies targeted towards waste diversion and fan comfort. For example, Q2 Stadium allows all fans to bring and utilize their own reusable drink vessel at all events leading to the removal of an estimated 50,000 plastic water bottles from our waste stream per year.
- Regular and detailed conversation with our waste hauler, Texas Disposal Systems, to ensure best practices and utilization of their own state-of-the-art facilities and resource recovery methods.
- Maintaining and evolving focus on fan and staff education via in-stadium signage, scoreboard videos, social media content, and more.
During its pursuit of a TRUE Certification Austin FC also established Evergreen – a company-wide, year-round sustainability campaign. With buy-in and participation from several corporate and community partners, led specifically by YETI, Evergreen was designed with intent on increasing fan and community awareness of the Club’s overall sustainability goals. As a key pillar of the campaign, zero-waste and the stadium’s TRUE certification are featured alongside the Club’s commitment to resource efficiency and the protection of Austin’s green spaces. Using Evergreen as a vehicle, Austin FC continues to celebrate the city’s park space though volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy and financial support. And the Club’s commitment to resource efficiency was highlighted in 2024 when Austin FC collaborated with CapMetro to open a light-rail station onsite at Q2 Stadium – a significant enhancement to the community’s access to public transit to and from the stadium.
"Sustainability was an integral part of Q2 Stadium’s design and it continues to be a top priority as we strive to make the venue a home that Austinites can enjoy for years to come," said Austin FC President Andy Loughnane. It’s an honor to officially become the first soccer-specific stadium to earn this TRUE certification, in our commitment to a greener future."
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