The Minnesota Vikings have committed to offset all of the electricity used at the Metrodome for home games this season by purchasing renewable energy from Xcel Energy. The commitment also includes purchasing offsets for any potential playoff games this season, and is a big step in the right direction for this NFL team.
The offsets are part of Xcel Energy’s Windsource© program, and will support renewable energy projects in Minnesota. The Vikings owner, Mark Wilf, says the hope is that by supporting renewable energy through the team’s effort, they will encourage other businesses and households to participate.
“The Vikings are committed to developing sustainable business practices and utilizing renewable energy sources whenever possible.” – Wilf
According to Xcel, the offsets are equivalent to eliminating the emissions from electricity use for 31 homes for a year, or 230 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
“We are very excited to team up with the Vikings. Not only will the team positively impact the environment, it will connect with fans across the state in a whole new way.” – Steve Mudd, Windsource program manager
Xcel Energy’s Windsource© program supports such projects as the MinWind III-IX wind farm, which is hailed as a model of community-based wind programs. The project produces enough electricity each year for 3,000 homes from seven 1.65 MW turbines, and contributes to the local economy through taxes and lease payments on land. According to Xcel, the Windsource program is the largest in the U.S., with 21,000 residential customers and 200 business participating.
More from GLI:
About Derek Markham
