Key metrics tracked year over year
Metrics are based on internal waste records and greenhouse gas inventory methodologies.
*This data excludes all manure weight (9,000+ MT), which is diverted from landfill and composted locally. It is excluded due to its significantly higher volume compared to other operational waste streams, as it would disproportionately skew waste diversion results and reduce visibility into improvements across event and operational waste.
Four pillars guiding our journey
Our sustainability strategy is built around four focus areas intended to support measurable progress across operations, events, partnerships, and guest experience.
As we continue to refine our environmental impact measurements and identify long-term goals, new key indicators will be added to each Pillar to monitor progress toward our vision of a legacy of stewarding our land and community to be enjoyed by future generations to come.
Working with water, not against it
Spruce Meadows operates an on-site water recirculation system that helps support water needs across the property while reducing reliance on municipal water sources where possible.
Through a network of several ponds and two water pumps, water from rainfall and snowmelt is captured, stored, and recirculated for use across the grounds.
Our first water pumps were installed in 1980, with secondary pumps added in 1995. Today, this system continues to support daily operations, major tournaments, and the long-term care of the property.
During recent water restrictions in Calgary and the surrounding areas, Spruce Meadows relied further on its on-site recirculation system while continuing to follow municipal requirements. During the 2025 and 2026 restrictions, municipal water was used primarily for concessions and bathrooms.
In 2024, Spruce Meadows also helped relieve pressure on the local area by supplying water during mandatory restrictions.
Since its founding in 1975, Spruce Meadows has maintained wetland areas on and around the property. Adjacent to the main grounds, a local wetland system provides habitat for several bird species and other wetland-dependent species.
The water recirculation system reduces reliance on municipal water but does not eliminate municipal water use entirely. Some figures and historical details remain subject to confirmation.
Turning stable waste into soil support
With hundreds of horses competing at Spruce Meadows each year, manure management is an important part of our environmental operations.
Spruce Meadows generates more than 9,000 metric tons of manure annually. Rather than sending this material to landfill, it is diverted to local facilities for composting.
From there, it can be transformed into nutrient-rich material that may support garden soil, landscaping, and agricultural applications across Alberta.
Manure composting is tracked separately from general event and operational waste diversion metrics.
Reducing landfill waste across events and operations
Spruce Meadows recognises that major events, daily operations, and guest experiences generate waste. Waste diversion is a key part of our sustainability journey, and we continue to make practical improvements across the grounds.
In 2025 and 2026, Spruce Meadows upgraded bin infrastructure to include more fan-facing compost bins and updated signage to help guests properly recycle and compost.
These improvements are designed to make waste sorting easier during tournaments, concerts, Cavalry FC matches, and community events.
Spruce Meadows is also working to responsibly manage materials that are traditionally harder to process through standard waste systems. This includes finding local outlets to recycle, repurpose, or refurbish:
In 2025, Cavalry FC hosted two “In Pursuit of Zero Waste” matches, highlighting efforts to improve waste diversion and reduce landfill impact during specific events.
Future event-focused initiatives may include expanded compost collection, improved sorting systems, vendor education, and additional recycling opportunities.
Events branded “In Pursuit of Zero Waste” for Cavalry FC games were aimed at improving waste diversion for those specific events.
2025 Results
Total Waste Generation
244 MT
537,927 lbs
Waste Diversion
42%
Diverted from landfill
| 2025 Waste Diversion* | Metric Tons (MT) | Pounds (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Compost | 11 | 24,250 |
| Recycle | 92 | 202,826 |
| Landfill | 141 | 310,851 |
*About this data: This data excludes all manure weight (9,000+ MT), which is diverted from landfill and composted locally. It is excluded due to its significantly higher volume, which would disproportionately skew results and reduce visibility into improvements across event and operational waste.
2024 Results
Total Waste Generation
255.5 MT
Waste Diversion
35.9%
Diverted from landfill
Win a trip to the WM Phoenix Open—enter when the contest goes live this fall.
Contest launches September 2026. Follow us on social media for the announcement.
Tracking our footprint
In 2024, Spruce Meadows completed a greenhouse gas emissions inventory to establish a baseline for future management efforts.
The majority of our emissions footprint comes from supply chain, vendor, and travel activity—areas we are actively targeting through vendor standards and procurement practices.
Priority reduction areas: Building operations, electricity use, natural gas use, business travel, and purchased goods and services.
GHG inventory prepared using internationally recognised greenhouse gas accounting standards (GHG Protocol).
Environmental initiatives dashboard
Real sustainability metrics from Spruce Meadows operations and events. Updated annually and expanded as new data becomes available.
Material streams tracked: Landfill, cardboard, organics, wood, single-stream recycling, bottles and cans, scrap metal
Spruce Meadows continues to improve waste diversion through expanded compost collection, updated guest-facing signage, event-specific pilot programs, and responsible recycling options for materials such as e-waste, used oil, scrap metal, and old signage.
Industry reference point: “Zero waste” is commonly defined as 90% or more waste diverted from landfill or incineration.
Goals and milestones
Our multi-year sustainability commitments tracked publicly.
Targets are aspirational and based on current assumptions, technologies, and operational plans. Progress will depend on infrastructure, partner participation, and evolving standards.
Measuring what matters
Spruce Meadows and WM are working toward transparent and measurable sustainability reporting through ongoing data tracking and alignment with recognised environmental frameworks.
Future reporting and disclosures may include:
Environmental claims are based on currently available data and internal methodologies. Where targets or future goals are stated, they are aspirational and subject to change based on operational, technological, and external factors. Spruce Meadows strives to ensure all claims are transparent, supportable, and aligned with evolving standards.
Sustainability is a shared effort
Guests, partners, vendors, athletes, and community members all play a role in building a more sustainable Spruce Meadows experience.
Ways to participate:
