The Portland Timbers announced a new sustainability partnership with Skanska, a global leader in construction, naming the company the official “Green is Gold” sustainability partner and sponsor of the Bold Reuse program. This collaboration builds on the Bold Reuse initiative, which has been active in Providence Park since 2024, now entering its third season. The goal is to deepen the club’s commitment to environmentally responsible practices at their historic stadium in Portland, Oregon.
Commitment to Innovative Sustainability at Providence Park
Heather Davis, CEO of the Portland Timbers, emphasized the team’s dedication to sustainability despite the challenges posed by Providence Park’s 100-year history. Davis stated,
“Sustainability and environmental awareness are responsibilities we embrace with intention and action,”
highlighting how partnering with Skanska enables the club to find new, innovative ways to improve their environmental initiatives beyond stadium limitations.
As a globally experienced construction firm, Skanska brings expertise in efficient resource use and sustainable building methods, which aligns with the Timbers’ commitment to expanding practices that reduce waste and limit single-use materials. The partnership is designed to elevate the Bold Reuse program, furthering efforts to offer fans a greener matchday experience.
Skanska’s Role in Supporting Portland’s Sustainability Goals
Trevor Wyckoff, Building Executive Vice President and General Manager at Skanska USA, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating,
“Portland is a community that believes in doing things the right way, to strengthen the city and reduce environmental impact. That’s why this partnership with the Timbers means so much to us.”
He highlighted the reusable cup program as a prime example of how smart design and responsible choices can create lasting benefits. Wyckoff also underscored Skanska’s pride in supporting the Timbers as leaders in sustainability who continue to invest in their hometown.
Expansion of the Bold Reuse Program Across Providence Park
Through this partnership, the Bold Reuse program will broaden its presence throughout Providence Park in 2026, extending to premium spaces such as the First Tech Suites & Lounge, adiClub, Lexus Lounge, Bank of America Signature Club on Tanner Ridge, Pub Beer Patio, Pacific Office Automation Pitchside Seats, and the press box. This reusable packaging initiative is more sustainable than recycling or compostable options as it reduces carbon emissions and energy consumption in the long term.
Heather Watkins, Co-founder of Bold Reuse, highlighted the importance of partnership in driving systemic change:
“At Bold Reuse, our mission is to make reuse the standard at large venues, and partnerships like this are how we get there.”
Watkins praised Portland’s leadership in sustainability and the expansion of reusable systems within Providence Park, acknowledging how collaboration with sponsors strengthens the operational effectiveness and scalability of such programs.
Track Record of Sustainability Achievements by the Timbers and Bold Reuse
Since the launch of the Bold Reuse program at Providence Park in 2024, nearly 115,000 single-use cups have been diverted from landfills, preventing over 5,500 pounds of waste. The partnership introduced significant advancements in 2025, including new technology that enhanced operational efficiency in the stadium. The Timbers continue their efforts to replace disposable beverage containers with reusable options, building a comprehensive sustainability framework throughout the club’s operations.
- First Regional Reusable Foodware Program Supported by ODEQ
Providence Park and Bold Reuse implemented a reusable foodware system within premium stadium areas, bolstered by a grant from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. This initiative established a new benchmark for single-use waste reduction at major venues in the region. - National Innovation with Stadium-Specific Reusable Cups
Providence Park became the first U.S. venue to introduce custom-designed reusable cups developed in collaboration with Dart Container Corporation, setting a fan-friendly and efficient example for other sports and entertainment facilities nationwide. - Introduction of RFID Technology for Reusable Products
Partnering with Avery Dennison, Providence Park piloted RFID-enabled reusable foodware, enabling real-time inventory tracking, reducing manual labor, and providing transparent data on item reuse cycles—strengthening measurement and accountability in sustainability efforts.
The Broader Impact of the Green is Gold Environmental Campaign
The Timbers’ Green is Gold campaign advances environmental awareness and sustainability throughout the local community. It complements the Bold Reuse program and illustrates the club’s ongoing dedication to reducing waste and promoting eco-conscious behavior on and off the field. Fans and community members can learn more about the club’s environmental initiatives and partnership activities by visiting the official Timbers website.
About Skanska’s Commitment to Sustainable Building
Skanska, with over 135 years of history and annual global revenue of $18.3 billion in 2025, ranks among the world’s largest construction and development companies. Operating in select markets across the Nordics, Europe, and the United States, Skanska’s U.S. division comprises 28 offices, including its New York City headquarters. The company’s U.S. revenues from development and construction totalled $8.7 billion in 2025. Skanska leverages the expertise of 6,500 U.S.-based employees and 25,900 worldwide to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that support healthy communities and environmental stewardship well into the future.
Bold Reuse’s Role in Creating Circular Systems at Large Venues
Bold Reuse specializes in designing and managing reusable packaging systems to eliminate single-use waste in venues, corporate campuses, and institutions. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with operations across multiple U.S. cities, the company has helped divert over six million pounds of landfill waste. Bold Reuse partners with renowned organizations, including the Portland Trail Blazers, Kansas City Chiefs, Starbucks, Arizona Diamondbacks, San Francisco 49ers, and Chicago Bears, providing scalable, cost-effective solutions that improve sustainability while engaging customers and tracking operational impact.
