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Queen’s University and Athletics & Recreation proudly announce the official reopening of Nixon Field, featuring an advanced sustainable playing surface designed to capture carbon and enhance athletic performance.

This groundbreaking project introduces carbon-sequestering turf that functions like an “invisible forest,” effectively capturing carbon from the atmosphere at a rate comparable to more than 11 acres of trees. In doing so, Queen’s becomes the first post-secondary institute in North America to implement environmental technologies for carbon sequestration on a sports field, collaborating with project partners Canadian Wollastonite and FieldTurf.

“Creating a space where students and student-athletes can excel while aligning with sustainability goals was a win-win,” says Linda Melnick, Executive Director of Queen’s Athletics & Recreation. “This project reinforces our leadership in making impactful changes that benefit our community.”

Nixon Field plays a vital role in student life, with over 14,000 students participating in recreational and competitive activities annually. The new surface also comes with improved underpadding to help with concussion and injury prevention.

The carbon sequestration on Nixon Field is achieved through Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW). Wollastonite, a calcium silicate, is processed into a fine powder, enhancing its surface area and speeding up carbon capture. This innovative solution allows the field to sequester carbon equivalent to 165 tree seedlings grown over 10 years, illustrating its long-term environmental benefits.

Warren Mabee, Director of the Queen’s Institute for Energy and Environmental Policy, highlighted the potential of this technology in fighting climate change.

“There’s huge promise to helping us address climate change,” he explains.

Local mining company Canadian Wollastonite provided the wollastonite used in the turf, aligning with Queen’s commitment to utilizing local resources for sustainable development.

To arrange an interview, please contact: 

Andrew Carroll                           Julie Brown
Media Relations Officer              Media Manager
613-876-8059                              343-363-2763
andrew.carroll@queensu.ca       brown.julie@queensu.ca