The Philadelphia Eagles and NRG today announced a new sustainable energy partnership to make the Eagles' vision of clean power for Lincoln Financial Field a reality.
When construction is completed late in December 2012, the Eagles' home in Philadelphia will be among the greenest major sports facilities in the U.S., and in the world. NRG will design, build and operate a unique, integrated sustainable energy solution including solar panels and micro wind-turbines that together will provide annually about six times the power used during all Eagles home games. In addition, NRG will be the official supplier of grid power to Lincoln Financial Field and a major sponsor of the Eagles.
"The Eagles were pioneers in embracing sustainability when they launched their Go Green! campaign back in 2003, now we are pleased to be their partner in making on-site renewable energy the centerpiece of their commitment to a sustainable future," said David Crane, President and Chief Executive Officer of Princeton, N.J.-based NRG. "The new clean energy facilities in and around Lincoln Financial Field will make it clear to all that renewable energy makes sense, economically, aesthetically and environmentally, for businesses and individuals in and around Philadelphia."
"The Philadelphia Eagles are proud to announce this new partnership with NRG, a respected leader in the energy field," said Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie. "We believe that companies everywhere can find ways to Go Green with business practices that help the environment and the bottom line. Together with NRG, we're eager to use this project at Lincoln Financial Field to continue our leadership role on environmental issues."
Added Christina Weiss Lurie, "This is another example of our comprehensive, integrated approach to running the greenest business we can. Adding clean energy sources to our existing recycling and energy conservation efforts is the right way for the Eagles to go."
The comprehensive system includes the largest solar power system in the NFL and in the Philadelphia area, with more than 11,000 solar panels and three megawatts (MW) of generating capacity. Solar panels along 11th Street and the south façade of Lincoln Financial Field will generate power and visually demonstrate the Eagles' and NRG's commitment to renewable power. Fixed solar panels in the parking lot will generate the bulk of the clean, renewable power that will help run the stadium all year long.
Fourteen micro wind-turbines will be placed along the top of the stadium on the north and south sides. The new clean power equipment is positioned in a way that will not interfere with the fans' enjoyment of the Eagles' home games.
The renewable energy installation was designed by the DLR Group, which has designed custom solar and wind installations for NRG at several other NFL venues.
"The future of sustainable system design at public venues is to seamlessly integrate the renewable energy systems into the architecture of the stadium and adjacent facilities," said DLR Group Principal Scott Shively, AIA. "The actual onsite power generation system will be an aesthetic part of the design to enhance the fan experience and raise awareness the Eagles' commitment to sustainable power."
