December 7, 2007
en français (PDF)
…player-driven initiative has over 350 players already taking the ‘NHLPA Carbon Neutral Challenge', with hundreds more expected to in the weeks ahead
TORONTO (December 07, 2007) - The National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) and the David Suzuki Foundation today announced a groundbreaking partnership that includes the ‘NHLPA Carbon Neutral Challenge and a program promoting action on climate change and environmental responsibility. Dr. David Suzuki, Paul Kelly (NHLPA Executive Director), Eric Lindros (NHLPA Ombudsman and former NHL all-star), Andrew Ference (Boston Bruins defenseman), Matt Stajan (Toronto Maple Leafs forward) and other players from the Bruins and Leafs were all on hand to celebrate the announcement at Toronto's Westin Harbour Castle.
Initiated by Andrew Ference, the partnership will see the David Suzuki Foundation act as an environmental resource to the NHLPA and its membership, using their expertise to help the players become more eco-friendly, both in their professional lives and at home.
In addition, NHLPA members are doing their part to reduce global warming through the NHLPA Carbon Neutral Challenge. This initiative, researched and designed specifically for the players by the David Suzuki Foundation, involves individual NHL players purchasing carbon credits to offset the carbon footprint produced by their extensive travel schedule. Over 350 players have already taken the challenge, with hundreds more expected to jump aboard in the coming weeks.
"It has been impressive to see so many of our members engage in this challenge, taking responsibility for their own carbon footprints and highlighting the need to focus on environmental protection," said Paul Kelly, Executive Director of the NHLPA. "I applaud Andrew Ference's initiative to collaborate with the renowned David Suzuki Foundation and welcome the opportunity for the NHLPA to play a prominent role in the fight against climate change."
"I congratulate the NHLPA and the players for showing leadership on the issue of climate change," added Dr. David Suzuki, co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. "We have worked with them to ensure that this initiative has environmental integrity, including the use of high quality Gold Standard carbon offsets. Not only are players addressing their own climate impact, but their actions will deliver an important message that will inspire millions of hockey fans and be a model for other sports."
Currently, The Challenge has been overwhelmingly well-received by the membership during the NHLPA's ongoing 2007-08 Fall Tour. Paul Kelly, Eric Lindros and other NHLPA staff have been educating the players about the partnership with the Suzuki Foundation and the Carbon Neutral Challenge.
"The initial response from the guys has been fantastic, with the number of NHL players accepting the NHLPA Carbon Neutral Challenge still growing at a rapid pace," said Andrew Ference. "It's important, as high profile athletes, to use our platform to deliver a message of environmental responsibility and accountability. Hopefully this will inspire our fans to follow suit." "Gold Standard carbon offsets for the NHLPA Carbon Neutral Challenge are being purchased through Montreal based not-for-profit Planetair," said Dr. David Suzuki.
Steps have also been taken towards ‘greening' the operations at the NHLPA's office in Toronto, Ontario. This ‘green' overhaul involves identifying and targeting the office's major energy activities, and working toward the development of a conservation program focusing on energy efficiency improvements and waste reduction. This includes switching to a renewable energy source by becoming ‘bullfrogpowered'; offsetting staff business travel and NHLPA events; and informing and encouraging staff to get involved in the office and at home.
Hockey fans can get involved by checking out both www.nhlpa.com and www.davidsuzuki.org. The websites provide information on the NHLPA Carbon Neutral Challenge, as well as information on how anyone can become carbon neutral.
About the National Hockey League Players' Association
The National Hockey League Players' Association (www.nhlpa.com), established in 1967, is a labour union whose members are the players in the National Hockey League (NHL). The NHLPA works on behalf of the players in varied disciplines. In 1999, the NHLPA launched the Goals & Dreams fund as a way for the players to give something back to the game they love. To date, the players' program has donated more than $16-million to grassroots hockey programs around the world making it the largest program of its kind! The program has donated full sets of hockey equipment to more than 8,000 economically challenged children in 17 countries and assisted with upgrades and the building of hundreds of arenas world-wide. The NHLPA has taken action to ‘green' the operations of its offices, which includes using Bullfrog Power.
About the David Suzuki Foundation
Since 1990, the David Suzuki Foundation (www.davidsuzuki.org) has worked to find ways for society to live in balance with the natural world that sustains us. Focusing on four program areas – oceans and sustainable fishing, climate change and clean energy, sustainability, and the Nature Challenge - the Foundation uses science and education to promote solutions that conserve nature and help achieve sustainability within a generation. As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, and to demonstrate that taking responsibility for one's greenhouse gas emissions is straightforward and inexpensive, the David Suzuki Foundation has implemented a carbon neutral program in its own offices.
About Bullfrog Power
Founded in 2005, Bullfrog Power is a leading provider of 100% green electricity, with service available to Ontario and Alberta residents and businesses. Bullfrog Power provides Canadians with power from clean, green sources like wind power and low-impact water power. And all of our generators have received Environment Canada's Environmental Choice Program EcoLogoM certification.
Contacts:
Tyler Currie
Manager, Communications
NHLPA
tcurrie@nhlpa.com
Office: (416) 313-2325 Mobile: (416) 414-3277
Dominic Ali
Senior Communications Specialist
David Suzuki Foundation (Toronto)
dali@davidsuzuki.org
Office: (416) 644-1032 Mobile: (647) 203-4701
