Timeline
2024
This internship ran from August 2024 to May 2025.
Description
Affiliated programs: Green Devils Intern Program and Duke Athletics
Summary: The Sustainable Athletics Intern supported Duke Office of Climate and Sustainability, Duke Athletics, and the Athletics Climate Team in integrating sustainability into sports at Duke. Responsibilities included coordination, event planning, communication, and strategic support. This new position required creativity and initiative, as they sought to reduce waste, engage the athletic community, and integrate sustainability into Duke Athletics culture. The core initiatives of this project were organizing two Green Games and two athletic shoe drives, which encouraged recycling and awareness at major athletic events. It was also charged with launching the Athletics Climate Team (ACT), a new group that aligns Duke Athletics with the university’s climate goals by using sports as a platform for sustainability leadership and stakeholder engagement.
Goals
1. Advance sustainability within Duke Athletics by reducing waste and promoting environmentally responsible practices at athletic events and facilities
2. Engage student-athletes, staff, and fans through initiatives like Green Games and shoe drives while supporting the launch of the Athletics Climate Team (ACT) to align athletic operations with Duke’s Climate Commitment
3. Collaborate with campus and athletics stakeholders to build long-term infrastructure and a culture of climate action in Duke Athletics
Experience and Learning Outcomes
This project was part of the year-long paid Green Devils internship managed by the Office of Climate and Sustainability. During the internship, the student lead presented on sustainability to every department in Duke
Athletics. They also played a key role in launching the Athletics Climate Team (ACT) in April 2025. They were involved in planning and executing the Women’s Basketball Green Game, including all prep meetings, logistics, and collaboration with staff. They also supported Duke’s leadership through Nike’s circularity pilot program by organizing a campus-wide athletic shoe drive. "One of the biggest takeaways from this experience was learning how to prepare effectively for meetings and understand the many moving parts and stakeholders involved behind the scenes. It gave me a deeper appreciation for cross-functional collaboration and the
complexity of driving change within large institutions," wrote Trinity Savage.
Recommendations
"My biggest piece of advice is to take time to understand the structure of Duke Athletics and the key stakeholders involved, as that context is essential for making meaningful progress," reflected Trinity Savage. Since the ACT has so much potential, she shared that continuing to build a strong foundation is key to support all athletics sustainability initiatives in the future. Also, being open to conversations with people across the industry can offer valuable insights to help expand the program’s reach.
Student Interns: Trinity Savage
Intern Supervisor: Lindsay Batchelor, Sustainability Director
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