The NHL’s 2016 Winter Classic game was greener than in previous years due to a league investment in renewable energy credits (RECs) to offset energy use. Even though the event is just one part of a larger initiative, it was chosen to highlight the REC program and increase fan awareness of green power options, including signage and a PSA announced during the outdoor game.
The partnership between the league and Constellation, an REC provider, secures energy generation from renewable resources matching the amount of greenhouse gas emissions created by the league during the hockey season. During the completed 2014-15 hockey season, over 126,000 metric tons of CO2-equivalent were produced to offset the league’s emissions, making the NHL the 20th largest consumer of renewable power in the U.S.
