Sustainability 2013, 5, 5119-5134; doi:10.3390/su5125119 OPEN ACCESS sustainability ISSN 2071-1050 www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability Article Renewable Energy Initiatives at Canadian Sport Stadiums: A Content Analysis of Web-Site Communications Chris Chard * and Cheryl Mallen Department of Sport Management, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Avenue, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada; E-Mail:
[email protected] * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail:
[email protected]; Tel.: +1-905-688-5550 (ext. 5875); Fax: +1-905-688-4505. Received: 18 July 2013; in revised form: 12 November 2013 / Accepted: 14 November 2013 / Published: 29 November 2013 Abstract: Researchers have positioned renewable energy as sustainable and able to mitigate environmental issues associated with fossil fuels. Further, sustainable initiatives have been offered as a point of differentiation for brands. In order to reap the benefits of such differentiation, managers must communicate the initiatives to relevant stakeholders. The research question guiding the current investigation thus was: What is the communication by Canadian sport stadium operators to calls for sustainable initiatives, specifically in the area of renewable energy? The examination included the 15 sport stadiums that hosted a professional team in Canada and their web-based stadium communications on renewable energy (SCORE). Understandings and competencies in renewable energy are proposed as a new function of sport stadium management; communication of these competencies is seen as a key point of differentiation and best practice. Keywords: renewable energy; sustainability; communications; sport; Canada 1. Introduction The world economy is dependent upon energy from fossil fuel sources to meet its needs, and ensuring a stable source of energy is a growing concern.