GP PRO Unveils Innovative Sustainability Solutions at 2026 Green Sports Alliance Summit

GP PRO, a division of Georgia-Pacific and a frontrunner in advanced dispensing and smart monitoring technologies, is excited to participate in the upcoming Green Sports Alliance (GSA) Summit. Set to take place from May 5-7, 2026, at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, this summit unites leaders in both sustainability and sports.

As a proud Gold sponsor, GP PRO will showcase its state-of-the-art KOLO® Smart Monitoring System. This data-driven solution is designed to support venues in achieving ambitious zero-waste goals while highlighting significant business benefits. The importance of such innovations is underscored by the panel discussion titled "Smart Venues are Closing the Sustainability Loop," scheduled for May 7 from 9:35 AM to 9:55 AM.

A Focus on Data-Driven Innovation

This year's GSA Summit will see participation from industry trailblazers including representatives from Lumen Field, Oracle Park, and Progressive Field. During the panel, attendees will learn how these venues leverage GP PRO's KOLO Smart Monitoring System to optimize waste management and sustainability efforts.

John Strom, Vice President and General Manager of Innovation at GP PRO, notes that resilience in sports operations hinges on acquiring a solid data foundation. This data empowers teams to operate proactively and efficiently. With the KOLO system, these visionary venues have made remarkable strides in turning their sustainability aspirations into concrete successes, achieving an impressive reduction of up to 60% in source waste across the board.

Measuring Success in Sustainability

Three iconic venues—Oracle Park, Progressive Field, and Lumen Field—have reported substantial sustainability improvements in the 2025 season thanks to the KOLO Smart Monitoring System. For instance, Oracle Park successfully minimized tissue and towel waste, averting emissions equivalent to planting 41 trees by preventing 3,598 lbs. of waste. Similarly, Progressive Field excelled in towel-specific efficiency, while Lumen Field achieved the lowest overall waste, enhancing its TRUE Gold Certification in late 2025.

Structure of the KOLO System

Lumen Field has been trailblazing its sustainability strategy through the deployment of the KOLO Smart Monitoring System across 1,100 dispensers. This approach has transformed inefficiencies into precise operations, ultimately helping the facility cut down upstream waste by a remarkable 75%. Christy Briggs, the Sustainability Manager at Lumen Field, expresses confidence in the KOLO system, emphasizing its quick installation and the profound impact it has made on operational efficiency.

Moreover, GP PRO is exploring opportunities for collaboration with Georgia-Pacific Recycling (GP Recycling). This partnership aims to improve materials recovery and streamline the supply chain by ensuring sorted materials are effectively recycled. GP Recycling, with over 50 years of experience, operates as one of the leading recyclers globally, managing over five million tons of recyclable materials annually.

Towards a Sustainable Future

The overarching theme of the GSA Summit revolves around designing a sustainable future, echoing John Strom's vision: "Resilience is preparing for what the world will be in 10 years, with a focus on reducing, reusing, and recovering waste every step of the way." The strategies that venues implement today will pave the way for a more sustainable sports industry tomorrow.

As GP PRO prepares to unveil its innovative solutions at the GSA Summit, it invites all attendees to engage in discussions about waste reduction, sustainability, and the role of data in the future of sports operations. This summit not only emphasizes the company's commitment to environmental stewardship but also showcases a collaborative approach towards creating effective, sustainable practices throughout the sports industry.

For more information about GP PRO and its sustainability endeavors, visit gppro.com. Additionally, explore GP Recycling for insights into its innovative recycling strategies and the impact they have on reducing landfill waste.