NHL seeks to reduce its carbon footprint

NEW YORK (AP) The NHL has named Constellation as its preferred energy provider as the league seeks to offset its carbon footprint across all 30 team markets.

Its goal is to reduce the NHL's environmental impact, and accelerate a greater movement toward a healthier planet.

The NHL announced its partnership with Constellation, a leading competitive energy and services company, on Thursday. Constellation will work with the NHL to conduct energy efficiency analyses and recommend energy management strategies for the league's facilities.

''Our partnership with Constellation advances our commitment to promoting responsible energy use by the NHL, including our teams, our venues and our fans,'' NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. ''Our sport was born on frozen ponds and relies on winter weather.

''Everyone who loves our game will benefit by taking an active role in preserving the environment and the roots of the game.''

Constellation, at the request of the NHL, will also provide renewable energy certificates and carbon offsets to match the league's estimated total carbon footprint - 550,000 metric tons - for the current hockey season.

''Constellation is proud to partner with the NHL to achieve its energy and environmental goals, and like the NHL, we are committed to a clean energy future,'' said Joe Nigro, the CEO of Constellation. ''Not only does Constellation offer sustainable energy options to our customers, together with our parent company, Exelon, we've also dramatically reduced our carbon footprint.

''By promoting responsible energy use, the NHL is setting an example for the sports industry, fans and communities.''

The NHL and Constellation will work together to promote efficient energy use throughout the league and at key events throughout the season, including next month's Winter Classic and All-Star game, the upcoming NHL Stadium Series, and the Stanley Cup playoffs in the spring.

''The NHL and Constellation are leading a cultural shift in sports toward ecologically responsible energy practices,'' said Dr. Allen Hershkowitz, the president of the Green Sports Alliance. ''This partnership confirms that responsible environmental stewardship can be profitable and attractive to millions of fans.

''Hopefully, this partnership will influence other businesses and fans alike to embrace renewable energy options which are so desperately needed to protect our planet.''

The agreement advances the objectives of the NHL's sustainability report in 2014 that disclosed the league's carbon footprint, and NHL Green - a sustainability initiative that was created in 2010 to address the effects of climate change and freshwater scarcity on hockey.