NHL names Constellation its official energy provider

Comprehensive initiative with national energy company promotes sustainability throughout the League, supports efficiency goals outlined in NHL's 2014 Sustainability Report

NEW YORK – In keeping with its priorities to reduce its environmental impact and accelerate a greater movement toward a healthier planet, the National Hockey League (NHL®) today named Constellation, a leading competitive energy and services company, as its official preferred energy provider. Constellation will work with the NHL to conduct energy efficiency analyses and recommend energy management strategies for the League's facilities. At the NHL's request, Constellation will also provide Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and Carbon Offsets to match the League's estimated total carbon footprint – 550,000 metric tons – for the 2014-15 season.

"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."

"Constellation is proud to partner with the NHL to achieve its energy and environmental goals, and like the NHL, we are committed to a clean energy future," said Joe Nigro, CEO of Constellation. "Not only does Constellation offer sustainable energy options to our customers, together with our parent company, Exelon, we've also dramatically reduced our carbon footprint. By promoting responsible energy use, the NHL is setting an example for the sports industry, fans and communities."

NHL names @ConstellationEG official energy provider to offset carbon footprint. http://t.co/y3RT8fni18 #NHLGreen pic.twitter.com/NaQoqJOLLx

— NHL (@NHL) December 18, 2014

NHL and Constellation will work together to promote efficient energy use throughout the League and at key events throughout the season, including the 2015 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic®, 2015 Honda NHL® All-Star Game, 2015 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series™ and the 2015 Stanley Cup® Playoffs. Constellation also will serve as presenting sponsor of NHL Live™ Powered by Constellation on NHL Network.

"The NHL and Constellation are leading a cultural shift in sports toward ecologically responsible energy practices," said Dr. Allen Hershkowitz, President of the Green Sports Alliance. "This partnership confirms that responsible environmental stewardship can be profitable and attractive to millions of fans. Hopefully this partnership will influence other businesses and fans alike to embrace renewable energy options which are so desperately needed to protect our planet."

The agreement furthers the objectives of the NHL's groundbreaking 2014 Sustainability Report, which documented and disclosed the League's carbon footprint, and NHL Green – a comprehensive sustainability initiative created by the League in 2010 to address the effects of climate change and freshwater scarcity on the sport of hockey.

The NHL Sustainability Report highlights the numerous programs, benchmarks and successes that have increased the overall sustainability of the League, 30 Clubs and their arenas. In partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Green Sports Alliance, the report analyzed 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.

Together we'll preserve the roots of the game by taking an active role in protecting the environment. #NHLGreen pic.twitter.com/Uw167PtiGh

— NHL (@NHL) December 18, 2014

NHL Green™ was launched as a direct result of the groundswell of enthusiasm and support from fans and those within the League and hockey community. A 2011 report from Scarborough Research showed NHL fans are 11 times more likely to recycle glass, plastic or paper versus the average U.S. adult, 19 times more likely to donate money or time to environmental causes, and 20 times more likely to pay for eco-friendly products and services.

For more information on NHL Green and the League's sustainability initiatives, visit: NHL.com/Green.

For more information on the NHL's Sustainability Report, including information regarding calculation of the NHL's estimated carbon footprint, visit: NHL.com/Green/Report/