Looking ahead to the next century, the League will 'Play It Forward' as it continues to ensure hockey stays connected to its roots while being sustainable for future generations. League-wide efforts to innovate, transform and inspire across key environmental categories include water restoration initiatives, landfill reduction, efficient electricity use, sustainable landscaping, and increased recycling via gear donations.
• Water Restoration - In 2011 the League first introduced its Gallons for Goals™ program, which began by restoring 1,000 gallons of water, through the purchase of water restoration credits, for every goal scored during the regular season. Since then, the program has expanded and, with continued support from Bonneville Environmental Foundation, more than 70 million gallons have been restored to water streams across North America.
• Landfill Reduction - Since 2010, all NHL Clubs have initiated programs to collect and donate prepared, untouched food to organizations in need. More than 550,000 pounds of food have been donated, avoiding landfill waste while also strengthening community outreach.
• Efficient Electricity Use - All NHL arenas are working to reduce energy consumption. Many have adopted green technologies, including LED sports lights and ENERGY STAR products, throughout their facilities.
• Sustainable Landscaping - The first-ever NHL Legacy Tree Project in 2012 was the beginning of an NHL Green tradition, planting one tree per Club in the host city of the NHL Draft™. Since then, more than 300 trees have been planted across North America.
• Increased Recycling via Gear Donations - In celebration of the 2018 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series™, the NHL and Washington Capitals will place seven Recycle the Game gear donation nets in community rinks across Annapolis, Md. These regulation-sized hockey nets transformed into a donation box will collect gently used hockey equipment. Gear collected from these nets will go to the United Heroes League (UHL), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering military families and children to stay active. Prior to the outdoor game, the UHL will also receive a $25,000 donation from the League and Monumental Sports Foundation to further support its efforts in the community. By recycling hockey equipment, the donated gear avoids landfills and improves hockey's environmental footprint.
This month, all 31 NHL Clubs will lead a variety of sustainability initiatives in their local markets, including hosting a "Green Night" home game dedicated to environmental awareness. All NHL Clubs are members of the Green Sports Alliance, a nonprofit organization committed to promoting healthy, sustainable communities through the power of sports.
In 2014, the NHL released its 2014 Sustainability Report - the first document of its kind produced by a major sports league in North America - which disclosed its carbon footprint and efforts to reduce its environmental footprint. Later this month, the League will release the second installment of the report, looking back at its efforts over the last four years as well as looking ahead to its continued efforts to be better stewards of the environment. For more information, visit
NHL.com/Green
. To join the conversation, use the hashtag #NHLGreen.
