The National Hockey League is going carbon neutral in an effort to put global warming on ice.
The NHL announced a partnership Thursday with energy services firm Constellation in which the league would buy enough renewable energy certificates and carbon offsets to match its 550,000 metric tons of carbon emissions through the current season.
“Our sport was born on frozen ponds and relies on winter weather,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “Everyone who loves our game will benefit by taking an active role in preserving the environment and the roots of the game.”
The NHL announcement comes as the league is set to host the Jan. 1 “Winter Classic,” an outdoor game at Nationals Park in Washington that will pit the Washington Capitals against the Chicago Blackhawks.
The NHL is the first major sports league to set a goal of becoming carbon neutral. The league said it would work with Constellation to improve energy efficiency at the facilities for its 30 teams.
Winter sport athletes have become increasingly vocal about climate change.
During the Winter Olympics earlier this year in Sochi, Russia, some raised awareness about how growing greenhouse gas emissions that scientists blame for climate change are hurting their sports. Rising temperatures also are endangering future Winter Olympics, according to a recent report.
