Philadelphia Eagles Announce Plan To Power Lincoln Financial Field With Onsite, Self-Generated Renewable Energy
By The Philadelphia Eagles, PRNEWednesday, November 17, 2010
$30 million Investment in Wind Turbines, Solar Panels and Dual-Fuel Co-gen Plant To be Installed, Operated by SolarBlue
PHILADELPHIA, November 18, 2010 - The Philadelphia Eagles today announced a plan to power Lincoln Financial
Field with a combination of onsite wind, solar and dual-fuel generated
electricity, making it the world's first major sports stadium to convert to
self-generated renewable energy.
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The Eagles have contracted with Orlando FL-based SolarBlue, a renewable
energy and energy conservation company, to install approximately 80 20-foot
spiral-shaped wind turbines on the top rim of the stadium, affix 2,500 solar
panels on the stadium's facade, build a 7.6 megawatt onsite dual-fuel
cogeneration plant and implement sophisticated monitoring and switching
technology to operate the system.
Over the next year, SolarBlue will invest in excess of $30 million to
build out the system, with a completion goal of September 2011. SolarBlue
will maintain and operate the stadium's power system for the next 20 years at
a fixed percent annual price increase in electricity, saving the Eagles an
estimated $60 million in energy costs.
The Eagles and SolarBlue estimate that over the 20-year horizon, the
on-site energy sources at Lincoln Financial Field will provide 1.039 billion
kilowatt hours of electricity - more than enough to supply the stadium's
power needs - enabling an estimated four megawatts of excess energy off-peak
to be sold back to the local electric grid.
"The Philadelphia Eagles are proud to take this vital step towards energy
independence from fossil fuels by powering Lincoln Financial Field with wind,
solar and dual-fuel energy sources," said team owner and chief executive
officer, Jeffrey Lurie. "This commitment builds upon our comprehensive
environmental sustainability program, which includes energy and water
conservation, waste reduction, recycling, composting, toxic chemical
avoidance and reforestation. It underscores our strong belief that
environmentally sensitive policies are consistent with sound business
practices."
Added Eagles owner Christina Lurie, "We believe the iconic stature and
universal appeal of professional sports can become a powerful, visible,
motivating example of how renewable energy sources can replace fossil fuels
and create a cleaner, sustainable environment for people everywhere."
Against a backdrop of trees symbolizing the Eagles' commitment to
reforestation, the Luries invited special guests to join them in signing the
Go Green! (www.philadelphiaeagles.com/gogreen) Team's Declaration of
Energy Independence, which "seeks to create a better living environment by
reducing the world's dependence on fossil fuels."
The greening of Lincoln Financial Field is a significant step by a major
sports franchise to achieve that goal. The energy to be generated by on-site
renewable sources is comparable to the annual electricity usage of 26,000
homes. Engineers at Solar Blue estimate that converting the stadium to
renewable energy will eliminate CO2 emissions equivalent to 500,000 barrels
of oil or 24 million gallons of gasoline consumed annually. That equates to
removing the carbon emissions of 41,000 cars each year.
"The Eagles' plan for Lincoln Financial Field represents one of the most
extensive renewable energy commitments by any major facility," said Lee
Maher, Chairman and CEO, SolarBlue. "The energy plan will utilize the most
technologically advanced wind turbines and solar panels. With this
installation, we anticipate that many businesses will see the benefits of
renewable energy and be inspired to emulate the Eagles' bold leadership."
Beyond the substantial environmental advantages, the Eagles' renewable
energy plan will create hundreds of jobs for the Philadelphia area. SolarBlue
anticipates directly employing 200 local people during the year-long design
and installation phase. One-quarter of these jobs will be permanently
maintained over the 20-year operational horizon. In addition, the project
will generate approximately 600 indirect jobs in the surrounding region as a
result of Solar Blue's commitment to utilize local contractors, vendors and
suppliers, as available.
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter stated, "The Philadelphia Eagles have
been great corporate citizens for many years, most specifically working with
disadvantaged youth throughout the City. But we also know the Eagles to be
green; they don't just wear green, they sincerely believe in the concept of
responsible environmental stewardship. We appreciate their commitment to an
issue that is at the core of the City's Greenworks Philadelphia Plan, to
become the Greenest City in America. Today's announcement will help reduce
the City's carbon footprint, create hundreds of much needed green jobs and
put our City on the world stage. This type of forward thinking will serve as
an excellent example to every organization that wants to play a role in
strengthening our local economy while helping the environment."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated, "With this ground-breaking
initiative, the Eagles are taking another significant step forward in their
commitment to environmental responsibility and to their community. The work
of the Eagles' Go Green! initiative in raising environmental awareness and
implementing green programs is a tribute to the leadership of the
organization. The NFL is proud to support the Eagles and Christina and
Jeffrey Lurie as they set the right example for all of sports."
About The Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are members of the NFC East division of the
National Football League (NFL). Under its current leadership, the team has
become known as one of the most aggressive as well as progressive
organizations in professional sports. Off the field the Eagles are recognized
as a leader in community outreach having founded the Eagles Youth
Partnership, one of professional sports' most innovative charitable
foundations, and Go Green, the team's comprehensive environmental initiative.
For more information visit the Eagles website at
www.PhiladelphiaEagles.com.
About SolarBlue
SolarBlue, LLC develops comprehensive energy reduction programs for
clients in the industrial, commercial, sports, entertainment and government
sectors. The Company focuses on energy conservation, energy efficient
technology, renewable energy and clean power generation. SolarBlue offers
turnkey energy solutions that allow clients to reduce energy consumption and
realize significant cost savings. SolarBlue is headquartered in Orlando, FL,
with offices in Philadelphia, PA. For more information visit:
www.SolarBlue.com
Press Contacts: Pamela Browner-White Camille Priselac Philadelphia Eagles CooperKatz for Philadelphia Eagles +1-215-320-5186 +1-917-703-1660 pbrownerwhite@eagles.nfl.com cpriselac@cooperkatz.com Kathleen Reynolds CooperKatz for Philadelphia Eagles +1-917-692-1872 kreynolds@cooperkatz.com
Pamela Browner-White, Philadelphia Eagles, +1-215-320-5186, pbrownerwhite at eagles.nfl.com, Camille Priselac, CooperKatz for Philadelphia Eagles, +1-917-703-1660, cpriselac at cooperkatz.com, Kathleen Reynolds, CooperKatz for Philadelphia Eagles, +1-917-692-1872, kreynolds at cooperkatz.com
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