NHL lines up Constellation for latest green push

North American ice hockey league the NHL has further enhanced its green agenda by appointing Constellation as its official preferred energy provider.

Constellation will work alongside the NHL to recommend energy management strategies for league facilities and provide Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and carbon offsets to match the organisation’s estimated carbon footprint of 550,000 metric tonnes for the 2014-15 season.

Additionally, the competitive energy and services company will benefit from exposure in association with a number of the NHL’s key properties.

Constellation is the new presenting partner of NHL Live on the NHL Network and it will also have a presence at flagship events such as the Winter Classic, All-Star Game, Stadium Series and the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2015.

In July this year, the NHL claimed a sports league first when it unveiled its 2014 Sustainability Report highlighting increased sustainability across its operation and the work of the NHL Green initiative.

The Sustainability Report highlighted the numerous programs, benchmarks and successes that have increased the overall sustainability of the league, its 30 clubs and their arenas. In partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Green Sports Alliance, the report analysed more than three years of operations and travel data from all 30 clubs, partners and the league's corporate offices to determine the NHL's entire carbon footprint.

"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."