Green Philadelphia Sports and Attractions

Sports

With virtually everyone doing something to help the city become environmentally sustainable, it comes as no surprise that Philadelphia's celebrated sports franchises have come to the table with their own groundbreaking initiatives.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles were the first professional sports organization to implement an environmental strategy. The Philadelphia Eagles Go Green program has resulted in enormous energy savings since its commencement in 2003. Some of their initiatives include both Lincoln Financial Field and the NovaCare Complex operating on 100 percent clean energy, replacing plastic cups with corn-based material cups, installing three state-of-the-art solar panels, and recycling over 550 tons of waste. The latest addition to the Go Green program is the Eagles Forest, a way to offset carbon dioxide emission from the team’s away game travel, and encourage youth to participate in environmentally friendly practices by planting trees.  Tickets and programs are printed on recycled paper (more than 40 tons annually). The Eagles are also the first team in the National Football League to use a stadium that runs completely on wind or sustainable energy.

Philadelphia Phillies

Not to be outdone by their NFL colleagues, in May of 2008, the Philadelphia Phillies became the first Major League Baseball team to join the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Green Power Partnership program. As part of their conservation efforts, The Philadelphia Phillies have recently bought 20 million kilowatt-hours of Green-e Energy Certified Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), the largest purchase of 100% renewable energy in professional sports. history and is equivalent to the planting of 100,000 trees. In addition, the team shows its commitment to the environment through recycling programs, building and food-related management and fan awareness.

Attractions

Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania

For the first time in almost 100 years, the Morris Arboretum is constructing a major new building. This project will serve as Penn’s first newly constructed “green” building, with plans to achieve Platinum Level LEED Certification. Nearby, the University of Pennsylvania’s Biopond, created in 1897 as a botanical garden, still exists off Hamilton Walk near 38th Street.

Independence National Historic Park

As Independence National Historic Park (INDE) strives to preserve and maintain resources, staff are making efforts to 'green' the park by promoting sustainability and energy efficiency throughout. Nearly one-third of INDE'’s energy comes from renewable resources including wind energy; the Park also plans on installing Photovoltaic, PV solar panels on the roof of the Independence Living History Center. In addition, the Park recycles waste, purchases recycled lumber benches, and uses green cleaning products.

The Philadelphia Zoo

America's first zoo uses integrated Pest Management throughout the gardens. The Philadelphia Zoo is taking strives to address global warming and protect wildlife through their carbon offset program, "Footprints." The zoo has also created its own on-site "carbon sequestration," and is involved with the Green Woods project, an urban reforestation project undertaken in partnership with Fairmount Park, where 875 trees will be planted. The Zoo uses paper that contains fibers that are 100% recycled, including at least 30% post-consumer waste.  There are recycling containers for the zoo map at the exit. Facilities utilize low-flow toilets, auto-off switches, and digital control systems.

The Academy of Natural Sciences

The Academy of Natural Sciences replaced the existing air conditioning and heating system with a modern system that provides for effective climate and air quality control. This upgrade will protect the natural history collections and library and provide air quality controls needed for sensitive analytical work. The themes of evolution, biodiversity, and conservation are being weaved into all exhibits.

Schuylkill Banks Greenway

Schuylkill Banks Greenway has transformed itself from an abandoned, industrial riverfront to one filled with sports enthusiasts, picnickers, and a thriving wildlife. In addition, this urban retreat features events, movie nights, and kayaking trips.

Longwood Gardens

Gardens has a rich history in environmental preservation. The existence of the Gardens was a result of Pierre S. DuPont who created the sculpted natural preserve as a way of preventing the trees from being cut down and sold to lumber mills. In recent years the Gardens continue to preserve nature and the environment with innovative eco-friendly techniques, including composting and reusing plant material, energy efficient LED technology, and housing an onsite sewage treatment plant and using effluent for watering.

Drexel Green

Universities have started a national trend of going green, and Drexel is no exception. Drexel Green, a program developed by students, faculty, and staff, is designed to transform Drexel into a leader on the sustainability front. The program has transformed Drexel into a green campus, recently opening a 2.5 acre park, rejuvenating a community garden where students can grow organic foods, and installing low-flow shower heads in all dormitories.