Publications
Publications
- March 2025
- HBS Case Collection
Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena: Ticket to a Greener Future
By: Rosabeth Moss Kanter and Jacob A. Small
Abstract
Teaching Note for HBS Case No. 325-110. CEO Tim Leiweke reviewed the process by which his newly formed Oak View Group had managed a major rebuild of a landmark arena in Seattle which attracted a National Hockey League franchise and major entertainers concerned about sustainability. Challenges included politics around the bidding process, the need for construction innovations, and rising standards to make the Climate Pledge Arena among the world’s greenest. Amazon bought the naming rights through its Climate Pledge Alliance, with founder Jeff Bezos insisting on a carbon zero plan, which added electricity uncertainties and further cost escalations. Leiweke had to manage his investors and find the resources and innovations to complete the project without public funding and then deal with further challenges of operating at carbon zero, including waste management, food, cooking, packaging, and community benefits such as free public transportation included with a ticket. Was the venture successful, and from whose perspective? Leiweke wanted to inspire many similar projects. What kind of leadership and partnerships were required for a project with this climate impact?
Keywords
Climate Change; Environmental Sustainability; Leadership; Bids and Bidding; Standards; Corporate Social Responsibility and Impact; Green Buildings; Construction; Partners and Partnerships; Sports Industry; Entertainment and Recreation Industry; Seattle
Citation
Kanter, Rosabeth Moss, and Jacob A. Small. "Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena: Ticket to a Greener Future." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 325-114, March 2025.