Tuesday

MIS earns Green Venues Certification by State of Michigan

Irish Hills track earns Leader Certification for conservation efforts

Michigan International Speedway

The speedway has earned Green Venues Michigan Leader Certification by the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth (DELEG), which was announced on Tuesday, for its ongoing conservation efforts.

MIS is just one of four venues to earn certification by DELEG, joining the Detroit Institute of Arts, Grand Valley State University and the Cedar Creek Institute of Hastings, Mich.

Green Venues Michigan encourages facilities to implement environmental initiatives and cost-saving green practices to conserve energy, reduce water consumption, protect air quality, reduce waste and participate in environmentally preferred purchasing.

“We are honored to accept this award for our ongoing conservation efforts. We want to thank the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth (DELEG) for allowing us to participate in this program,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “NASCAR fans are enthusiastic conservationists and MIS is extremely proud and excited to be leading the way in sports and showing fans the many ways in which all of us can help the environment. I can assure you that MIS is not done. We will continue to implement new green initiatives and seek other sports and facilities to join us in our efforts.”

The past 12 months have been a banner year for MIS and its environmental initiatives. In 2009, MIS formed a partnership with NASCAR to plant trees on track property to help offset the carbons produced during the June event weekend. The track has also undergone an extensive recycling effort throughout the property. MIS recycles materials such as cardboard, paper, glass, plastic, aluminum, construction waste, electronic waste, batteries and motor oil, which occurs year-round.

The speedway and its race sponsor Carfax worked with The Conservation Fund’s Go Zero® program to zero out the CO2 emissions that resulted from the facility’s energy use during the Show Me the CARFAX Race Weekend in August.

MIS has also reduced waste by switching from printed hardcopies to electronic versions of documents such as track media guides and holiday cards. Additionally, the new Pit Road Suites and Media Center (opening June 2010) will have a 20 kW photovoltaic (solar panels) system.

Green Venues Michigan is a voluntary, non-regulatory certification program offered through the Bureau of Energy Systems in DELEG at no charge. The Bureau of Energy Systems provides technical assistance to those who are interested in implementing “green” strategies and earning certification. The GVM program certifies facilities based on environmental initiatives such as air quality, energy efficiency, solid waste reduction, toxic waste management, water conservation, purchasing and communication. There are three levels of certification: Partner, Steward, and Leader, which can be earned by completing a self-assessment checklist and achieving a minimum number of requirements and points.

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.

Race fans that missed out on renewing tickets can leave a $30 goodwill deposit and ensure the best, guaranteed lowest prices in 2010. Deposits will be accepted through Jan. 5 only. After that, ticket prices will likely increase as demand goes up.

Customers can log onto www.MISpeedway.com or call 800-354-1010 to leave a deposit.

Michigan International Speedway – 2010 Schedule

\Friday, June 11 ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards Racing for Wildlife 200
Saturday, June 12 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200
Sunday, June 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

Friday, Aug. 13 Gatorade Pole Day
Saturday, Aug. 14 NASCAR Nationwide CARFAX 250 Series
Sunday, Aug. 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup CARFAX 400 Series

- Michigan International Speedway, Press Release