Boston, MA - Boston Red Sox:
Red Sox To Implement New Environmentally-Sustainable Practices at Fenway Park

April 10, 2008 09:18 AM

The Boston Red Sox are carrying out a series of initiatives during the 2008 season that reflect the team’s commitment to exploring the use of environmentally sustainable habits and technologies.  The Red Sox, in partnership with internationally-renowned environmental group Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), are actively engaging sponsors, local groups and the fans of Red Sox Nation to help execute a five-year plan to bring “green” practices to Fenway Park.  The plan, which was announced last September, will culminate in 2012 in time for the 100th birthday celebration of “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark”.

“As stewards of such a storied venue we recognize our unique position and ability to raise public consciousness about important issues.  Our decision to enhance the ballpark’s environmental attributes is one born out of a sense of personal responsibility and professional duty,” said Tom Werner, Boston Red Sox Chairman. “For us, this announcement marks some of the first steps in an ongoing process to make America’s most beloved and oldest ballpark also one of America’s greenest.”


Solar Power

One of the most significant “green” projects completed this year will be the adoption of solar power at Fenway.  

This spring the Red Sox will become the first professional sports team in the Boston area to install solar panels.  Scheduled to be operational by mid-May, the solar thermal panels will be installed on the roof behind home plate to help heat water used throughout the facility.  The panels will replace 37% of the gas traditionally used for the process, saving both energy and expense, and avoid 18 tons of CO2 emissions each year.  The Red Sox have worked on this initiative with National Grid and Bonneville Environmental Foundation. 

Solar use will be more evident to fans with 10 Big Belly trash compactors placed around the perimeter of the ballpark.  Installed on March 31, the large green vessels contain solar-powered compactors and can collect four times as much refuse as the old trash barrels that filled up quickly on game days.  The new containers replace six existing trash cans and the Red Sox purchased an additional four cans for four new locations around the ballpark. 

 

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