The NFL Steps up Environmental Program at Super Bowl

This is the second year that the NFL has purchased renewable energy to offset the electricity needed for the five-day Super Bowl experience. The NFL has stepped up efforts to offset the carbon impact of this event though it has had an environmental program in place for 16 years. The program started off focusing on recycling efforts and has grown to a much broader program aimed at taking responsibility for leaving the host community better than they found it.

The NFL acknowledges that their efforts don’t negate the impact of the Super Bowl, but it is invested in doing the right thing to offset and minimize the event's impact. Here are a few of the efforts in place.

• Donating unserved, prepared food from NFL-related parties to local food banks
• Recycling of solid waste
• Giving sports equipment collections to area schools
• Donating an estimated $300,000 worth of materials to local non-profit agencies: includes décor, office supplies, construction materials and other items
• Choosing renewable energy to offset the electricity used at major event venues
• Planting 2,700 trees to help offset the additional greenhouses gas created by Super Bowl-related activities

To learn more about the NFL’s environmental programs, go here. 

 PERSONALLY SPEAKING
I like to hear that the NFL is continuing to grow its environmental programs and using the criticism it receives to make its programs better. For instance, last year the NFL didn't do a good job of monitoring the trees that were planted to offset its carbon impact. This year, Scientists will monitor, measure and track the environmental benefits of the trees that are planted using software developed by the Forest Service. This software will track information such as the amount of air pollution, carbon dioxide and stormwater the trees absorb. ~ Megan

Megan Brown is the Client Relations Manager for Renewable Choice.