NHL fan energy playbook powered by Constellation

Constellation, the NHL's official preferred energy provider, is helping the League improve its energy performance and reduce its environmental impacts. Through this Energy Playbook, Constellation is offering simple tips to help NHL Fans join the League 's sustainability efforts.

In the preparation of the 2014 NHL Sustainability Report, the NHL discovered that the generation and use of energy to power NHL arenas and offices result in approximately 80% of the NHL 's carbon footprint*. Today, Constellation is conducting energy efficiency analyses and recommending energy management strategies for arenas. Together we are actively promoting energy performance improvements that result in fewer emissions and lower operating costs.

Three fundamental strategies – reducing demand, increasing efficiency and using more benign forms of energy – can also help you, the NHL fan, save money, reduce energy and protect the environment. Below are five easy ways to get started:

1. Green your tech: Big screen, high-definition TVs make watching hockey from home more exciting than ever -- but not everyone is aware of the energy cost associated with their TV and cable box. ENERGY STAR products are independently certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality. Hockey fans interested in saving money on their energy bills, while protecting the environment should always look for the ENERGY STAR when upgrading their technology.

2. Watch with friends: Get your friends together for games. Research shows watching in groups and turning off unnecessary lights in the house can lower energy use in your region. In 2011, a local utility challenged fans to reduce energy during Canucks games. The highest reduction in the Playoffs came during Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final (6% decrease). Playoff history showed that overall electricity demand in B.C. dropped while the games were being televised, showing that even small behavioral changes – whether intentional or accidental -- add up to make a difference. So get together and save energy while you catch all the on-ice action.

3. Light the lamp: In recent years NHL arenas have made the shift away from old, inefficient lighting, which has produced significant returns on investment and lessened environmental impact. Many have implemented occupancy and daylight sensor controls, as well as timer and scheduling programs in their lighting- control systems. A select few have even installed new LED game-lighting systems that illuminate the ice surface and significantly cut energy use. NHL Fans can take the same approach at home: Replace your most frequently used light fixtures or bulbs with CFLs or LED that have earned the ENERGY STAR. CFLs, for instance, are 80% more efficient than conventional bulbs, last up to 10 years and replacing just six bulbs can save you an average of $36 per year in electricity costs.

4. Set your best line-up: NHL arenas work tirelessly to improve the quality of the ice surface while efficiently managing energy use. Great attention is paid to creating optimal air conditions, particularly temperature and humidity. In a typical home, heating and cooling account for about 56% of the energy use, making it the largest energy expense, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Use your thermostat to schedule heating and cooling, to reduce energy while you sleep or are out of the house. Smart thermostats automatically program based on your habits, and can be controlled from your phone. Setting the correct conditions in your home can lower your heating and cooling bills up to 20%.

5. Switch to green energy: The NHL currently ranks No. 17 on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Top 100 list of the largest users of green power, making it the first professional sports league ever to achieve the distinction. In partnership with Constellation, the NHL switched to green power for all arenas and offices (approximately 271 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of power). NHL fans can make the switch too. Support renewable energy and help reduce air pollution. Click here to find out how.

To learn more about how to make your home energy efficient, check out Constellation's virtual house and the Natural Resources Defense Council's green tips for sports fans.

*see nhl.com/green/report to find out more