News

Philadelphia Eagles offset 2020 travel CO2 emissions through Ocean Conservancy

This is the first US Pro Sports team in the partnership

The Philadelphia Eagles have commited to offsetting its 2020 team travel through ocean efforts.

The partnership will through Ocean Conservancy and The Ocean Foundation will support seagrass and mangrove restoration efforts in Puerto Rico.

The Eagles’ carbon footprint from 2020 includes air and bus travel to eight games, a total of 385.46 tCO2e. They were calculated by the Ocean Foundation and will go to labor and supply restoration efforts, public education, and administration/infrastructure.

“Our sustainability journey began with a few recycling bins in the office back in 2003 and has since grown into a multi-curriculum program that is now focused on aggressive action to protect our planet, and this includes the ocean,” said Norman Vossschulte, Director of Fan Experience, Philadelphia Eagles.

“Whether you are on the Delaware River, down at the Jersey Shore, or on the other side of the planet, a healthy ocean is vital to all of us,” said Vossschulte.

Norman Vossschulte, Director of Fan Experience, Philadelphia Eagles & George Leonard of the Ocean Conservancy

The efforts will take place in Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (JBNERR), a federally protected estuary, located within the municipalities of Salinas and Guayama in Puerto Rico. The 1,140-hectare reserve is an intertidal tropical ecosystem dominated by seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and mangrove forests and provides sanctuary to endangered species including the brown pelican, peregrine falcon, hawksbill sea turtle, green sea turtle, several species of shark, and the West Indian manatee.

The Eagles’ Go Green program has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, including LEED Gold status by the U.S. Green Building Council, an ISO 20121 international certification, and a GBAC (Global Biorisk Advisory Council) STAR accreditation.


Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia.

Recent Posts

Vigil for Academy, Indigenous garden restoration & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Activists hold march and vigil for Academy of…

1 day ago

Energy and restoration grants, bird migration & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Temporary bike lane closer to permanent status. Councilmember…

1 week ago

Op-ed: Dinosaurs may be extinct. But the Academy of Natural Sciences doesn’t have to be.

The Academy of Natural Sciences survived for more than two centuries. Now, its future depends…

1 week ago

Washington Avenue Connector, trash pickup contest, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: New Washington Avenue Connector completed. The City of…

2 weeks ago

Meet 5 people building Philly’s green workforce

From a solar-powered shed in East Parkside to an orchard on State Road, these SustainPHL…

2 weeks ago

Enviro jobs & grants, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Parks and Rec expands environmental stewardship program. Philadelphia…

3 weeks ago