In conjunction with the NFL’s Green Team, the Vikings have an organization-wide initiative dedicated to helping sustain our environment and using renewable energy resources.
The Minnesota Vikings are committed to developing sustainable business practices, utilizing renewable energy sources and implementing environmentally-conscious programs in an effort to lessen our tax on the environment and improve the quality of life in Vikings Country. It is our corporate responsibility as a global citizen to:
· Accept our responsibility to help preserve and replenish our environment
· Educate ourselves and others on the environmental issues we are facing
· Evaluate our consumption of natural resources and energy expenditures
· Develop reasonable alternatives and solutions to bring about a positive change to our impact on the environment
Renewable/Sustainable Stadium Proposal
One goal behind the Vikings new stadium proposal is to create an environmentally-responsible venue by leveraging existing infrastructure and land, implementing green initiatives and becoming the first LEED-certified NFL stadium. By selecting the current Metrodome site, existing materials can be reused, as can current transportation systems and utility infrastructure. Two opportunities for the new stadium include:
· Re-using the crushed concrete from the Metrodome alone would save nearly 10,000 truckloads of new concrete.
· The unique angle of the proposed retractable roof will be designed to accommodate future Photovoltaic technology (solar panels).
Modular Green Roof at Winter Park
Plastic trays with plants have been placed in front of the air conditioning intake on top of the Winter Park practice facility as an energy-saving measure. The plants create a cooler environment on the roof so that the air conditioning intake temperature in the summer months is around 80 degrees instead of the normal 120 degrees it is without the plants. The result is less energy used during the months when the facility needs to be cooled, which in turn decreases costs and protects the environment.
2009 Media Guide Page Reduction
The 2009 Minnesota Vikings Media Guide is 52 less pages than last year’s guide and the Vikings printed 3,000 fewer media guides this year. The net result is 156,000 fewer pages and 78,000 fewer sheets of paper used.
Zero-Waste Playground Build
The Vikings helped take some “green” ideas off site with the 4th Annual Minnesota Vikings Playground Build in June, 2009. With the help of Toro Company and KaBOOM!, the Vikings participated in a zero-waste playground build at Crestview Elementary School in Brooklyn Park. All materials from the old playground were reused or recycled and all unused material during the build was also recycled.
Waste-Reduction Recycling Program
A recycling program has been instituted at Winter Park that has reduced waste output by 67 percent.
New Lighting System
T5 fluorescent lights have replaced the metal-halide lights used at the facility since 1991, resulting in a 30 percent decrease in energy costs. The new lights also have increased brightness and longevity.
Use of Sustainable Earth Cleaning Products
Corporate Express, the Vikings cleaning products provider, offers friendly commercial cleaning products that provide superior performance. Many of the products are certified by the EPA and Green Seal.
Sustainable Construction Projects and Reduced-Flow Plumbing Fixtures at Winter Park
There is a focus on using recycled materials for new construction projects, reduced-flow plumbing fixtures and energy-efficient lighting. The players’ clubhouse area and athletic training area were renovated with reduced-flow plumbing fixtures in 2008.
The Minnesota Vikings are committed to winning on game day, as an organization, we’re also committed to doing our part in helping the environment by using renewable and eco-friendly products, conserving energy and national resources, and promoting environmental responsibility throughout Vikings country. That’s why the Vikings celebrated their inaugural “Planet Purple Week”, a week dedicated to improving and sustaining the environment in which we all live.
On Monday, October 12th, 2009 and leading up to the home game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, October 18th, Planet Purple week showcased different ways the Minnesota Vikings staff, players, and fans helped the environment.
Planet Purple Week October 12-18, 2009
(Videos)
Tuesday, 13th – Tree Planting at Jenny Lind School and Bohannon Park
-Minnesota Vikings players and staff joined students from Jenny Lind School to plant 133 trees around the school and in Bohannon Park.
-Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Minneapolis Public Schools and Toro will also be helping to plant trees and educate students.
Wednesday, 14th – Green Your Routine: Educating Vikings Country
“Green Your Routine” featured simple yet effective ways to save energy and conserve natural resources in everyday life. The Vikings sent emails featuring eco-friendly tips, a public service announcement from Viktor and other ways to “Green Your Routine”
Friday, 16th – E85 and the Vikings team up for “E85 Carpool Friday”
The Vikings players and staff participated in “Carpool Friday” helping to conserve fuel and cutting back on pollution. The Vikings encouraged everyone in Vikings country to participate.
Saturday, 17th – Best Buy Electronics Recycling Day
- Recycle your broken and unwanted electronics at select Best Buy locations throughout the Twin Cities metro area.
- Vikings Quarterback Sage Rosenfels was on hand at the Eden Prairie Best Buy. Anyone was able drop off their broken or unwanted electronics items (limit of 2 items per person), and the first 100 customers to bring in their items received an autograph and Vikings-branded re-usable shopping bag.
Sunday, 18th – Game presented by Xcel Energy Wind Energy: Recycling at the Metrodome
- The Vikings offset 100% of the electricity used to power the Metrodome for all home games, through the purchase of renewable energy as part of Xcel Energy’s Windsource® program.
- Volunteers were at the tailgate lots before the game to recycle plastic bottles.
