April 18 - While many organizations say they care about the environment and improving energy efficiency, the NHL is doing something about it. Keith Wachtel, Senior Vice President, Corporate Sales & Marketing of the NHL answers questions about the league's recent partnership with GreenLife.

Why did the NHL feel it was important to become involved with GreenLife?
Wachtel: The NHL is a responsible corporate citizen and is taking action that allows us to help sustain the environment for future generations of NHL fans and players.  Building on the excellent work that NHL Clubs already are involved in, our partnership with GreenLife will help the NHL add the resources it needs to meaningfully reduce its impact on the environment and inspire fans, players, Clubs and others to take action.  The heritage of hockey is as an outdoor sport played on frozen ponds, and so the NHL has a unique calling. 

What environmental initiatives does the NHL plan to put in place for the future?
Wachtel: GreenLife is helping the NHL and its member Clubs develop and document its green initiatives in a “Green Plan” while concurrently assessing current operations, identifying and implementing best practices, and recommending specific steps to reduce the League’s carbon footprint and improve its overall environmental impact.  In the meantime, the NHL is already offsetting certain events such as the NHL All-Star Game by purchasing Gold Standard Carbon Credits.

What are examples of the public awareness campaign that the NHL will be doing to promote green life?
Wachtel: There are print and television ads, as well as signage in literature in arenas.  There will also be GreenLife-branded recycling receptacles in select venues.

How will you relay this message to the teams?
Wachtel: As an independent third party, NRDC will provide technical guidance and strategic assessments to the NHL and its Clubs.  The NRDC is developing Web-based Greening Advisors for each NHL Club to help each Club and the League to identify ecologically meaningful strategies to reduce their impacts on the planet.

Was the NHL involved in any type of energy efficiency before this alliance and if so, how?
Wachtel: A number of NHL clubs have been involved in environmental and recycling initiatives, including Los Angeles and Ottawa.  The Pittsburgh Penguins’ are working to achieve certified status for their new arena.

How has the NRDC helped in this initiative?
Wachtel: The NRDC serves as the “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval” for the NHL’s greening initiative.

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