NHL Greener Rinks Initiative Leads 2017 NHL Green Week Activities
In support of NHL Greener Rinks, a League-wide initiative that measures and evaluates the environmental impact of community rinks across North America, the NHL today launched NHL.com/GreenerRinks as a focal point of its NHL Green™ Week activities.
NHL arenas today use more environmentally-friendly energy sources than ever, including solar power, fuel cell technology, deep-lake water cooling, and geothermal technologies. Clubs also are installing cutting-edge LED game light technology to reduce glare and dramatically cut energy usage. Beginning today, arena operators and fans can visit NHL.com/GreenerRinks to learn more about how similar environmentally-friendly energy alternatives can be put to use in their communities.
The League and its Member Clubs will also focus on its Recycle the Game initiative. Introduced this year as part of the NHL® Centennial Fan Arena, which will stop in all 31 NHL markets as part of the League’s year-long Centennial celebration in 2017, this regulation-sized goalie net is transformed into a donation box and fans are encouraged to drop off their gently used hockey equipment when their team hosts an equipment donation drive. The equipment is up-cycled back into that Club’s community, improving hockey’s environmental footprint.
To participate in NHL Green™ Week, which continues through Friday, fans are encouraged to get involved and improve their environmental footprint:
GREEN TECH: NHL arenas are minimizing their respective environmental footprints by using green technology including LED sports lights and numerous ENERGY STAR products from the boiler rooms to the concession stands. At home, big screen, high-definition televisions make watching hockey from home more exciting than ever. Fans can opt for ENERGY STAR products without sacrificing features or functionality, while also saving on energy costs.
WATER AND ICE: The average sheet of ice requires approximately 12,000 gallons of water and the average American uses enough water each year to make nearly 50 sheets of ice. NHL arenas are reducing indoor potable-water consumption by upgrading water-efficient fixtures and ice-making technology. Fans can help reduce water consumption with a few simple steps: turn off taps while brushing their teeth or washing dishes; and cut down on the length of their showers.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The majority of discarded food ends up in landfills or combustion facilities. Once in landfills, food breaks down and produces methane – a potent greenhouse gas – contributing to climate change and shorter outdoor skating seasons. Through its food recovery programs, the NHL provides 120,000 meals of untouched food to local shelters each season and diverts approximately 100 tons of food from landfills. Fans can do their part by reducing food waste at home and properly disposing of organic waste and recyclable materials.
WEAR YOUR FAVORITE JERSEY: NHL arenas work tirelessly to improve the quality of the ice surface while efficiently managing energy use. Great attention is paid to creating optimal air conditions, particularly temperature and humidity. At home, setting thermostats to schedule heating and cooling will help reduce energy consumption during the times when fans are asleep or away from home. By lowering their average home temperature – and wearing their favorite jersey to stay warm – fans also can lower heating and cooling bills.
The NHL and its Member Clubs are committed to improving hockey’s environmental impact. Hockey can trace its roots to the frozen freshwater lakes and ponds. The ability to skate and play the game outdoors is a critical component of the League’s history and culture. Major environmental challenges such as climate change and freshwater scarcity affect future opportunities to take the game outside. Since its launch in 2010, NHL Green™ has been committed to preserving the environment – including the frozen ponds that inspired and cultivated the game more than 100 years ago. To learn more, visit NHL.com/Green.
