Everyone knows the Philadelphia Eagles are green, well, except when they wear their white away jerseys or black alternates. But from an environmental standpoint, the Eagles are also among the eco-friendly franchises in the NFL today.Already, the Eagles have solar panels that pump energy into their practice facility, biodegradable utensils, cups and bowls inside Lincoln Financial Field, the most vegetarian dining options of any concessions stand and a cheerleader calendar dedicated to saving the planet.This month however, the Eagles are breaking ground in a new stadium, not on a new stadium, announcing plans to turn Lincoln Financial Field into the first stadium solely supported by solar and wind power. The plan is made possible through a new partnership with Solar Blue, an Orlando based energy company dedicated to providing new and sustainable energy solutions. Ideally, the modifications necessary to this lofty endeavor into practice should be in place by the beginning of the 2011 NFL season. Put into place will be 80, 20-fot wind turbines on the upper rim of the stadium, combined with close to 2,500 solar panels. The turbines account for 15 of the stadiums energy with the solar panels matching for another 15. The remaining 70 will come from a plant run on biofuels and natural gas. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s generally assumed you need sunlight for solar energy to be effective. The city of Seattle is out to disprove this notion. Though it may have a reputation as one of America’s rainiest cities, Seattle’s solar ambition far outshines the local climate. If early proposals come to fruition, Qwest Field, home of the Seahawks, is in line to become the largest photovoltaic installed major sports venue in the United States. The already state of the art stadium would receive 600 kilowatts of solar power under the new energy structure, offsetting a significant portion of Qwest Field’s traditional usage. Currently, the 364 kilowatts of sun-supplied energy that powered the Los Angeles Lakers to an NBA title last season reign supreme among American arenas.According to official estimates, Seattle does, in fact, receive enough sunlight to justify a solar energy switch, a particularly popular move in the always environmentally conscious Northwest. Of course, desire only goes so far as many large scale initiatives in the past have fallen short to dreary weather outlook. Hopefully, if the Seahawks solar powered stadium breeds successful results, alternative energy ambition in the Northwest will be make giant leaps forward. Read the rest of this entry »