NEW ENERGY’S $30 MIL TOUCHDOWN

Philadelphia Eagles Tackle a $30 Million Wind and Solar Project
Tina Casey, November 19, 2010 (Cleantechnica via Reuters)

"…[The] Philadelphia Eagles' decision install a $30 million renewable energy system [shows how] sustainability is nothing new for the progressive football franchise…[It] established a Go Green program in 2003…The stadium's distinctive new spiral wind turbines, along with solar and cogeneration installations, will once again set a high bar for other sports venues…

"…[I]n 2007, while many sports franchises were still merely mulling over the idea of introducing their fans to sustainability, the NFL was beginning to stake out a leadership position by purchasing renewable energy for the Superbowl…[T]he Philadelphia Eagles' Go Green program was already four years into its mission, which focused on education, conservation and recycling. In 2007, the team announced that it was upping the ante by getting at least 100 of its employees to purchase wind energy…"

Artist's conception of the stadium turbines (click to enlarge)

"…[T]he Eagles new sustainable energy system… is designed for high visibility. Built by the Florida-based company SolarBlue, it will consist of 80 futuristic-looking spiral shaped wind turbines rimming the top of the stadium, and 2,500 solar panels on the facade. The system will also include a 7.6 megawatt cogeneration plant along with a ‘smart microgrid’ system to keep everything running at maximum efficiency…"

click thru for real time data on the stadium solar system

"Green means big bucks for the Eagles, because the system will generate 4 megawatts of excess energy off-peak, which will be sold back to the grid. The franchise also expects to save $60 million in energy costs over the next 20 years…

"…This year, Major League Baseball announced a comprehensive sustainability strategy, and the ski industry and golf industry are also charging ahead with conservation and renewable energy projects. Even NASCAR has begun to focus on shrinking its carbon footprint and reducing its use of toxic chemicals…"