R2Ei visits Chaparral High School for Sustainability Education

Part of our R2Ei Educational Tour is to actually take our trailer to high schools campuses and talk to students about sustainability.  The R2Ei trailer is broken down into Q&A on sustainability, video of R2Ei trackside with IndyCar, a hands on discussion with solar and other sustainability technology, and finally a small group breakout to answer some Q&A’s about what they would would or could do.  Here are their un-edited answers from the R2Ei computer lab. All in all, they were a great bunch of kids!

If you were the president of IndyCar, what other types of technology would you like to see introduced, and how would IndyCar help this technology to become mainstream?

1. using solar technology to power the cars.

2. Make the cars electric.

3. Putting this on the internet is not a good idea. Also putting this in class rooms could be very helpful in making this very popular.

4. Touch screen radios.

5. mini fridge,for refreshment purposes

6. I would like to see more environment safe technology and energy efficiant. IndyCar could advertise the new technology.

7. We would incorperate rockets

7. Self-driving cars.

9. Indy car is popular and people like to watch so its good advertising

10. solar

11. less greenhouse gases

12. makes the cars have solar panles on them

13. life long all weather tires

14. promotion and ads

15. i would like 4 v-8 motors per car

16. No, I did not know that. I would like to see paper being reduced at school. More advertisement would help Indycar become more mainstream.

17. Different lightbulbs and less gas air into the atmosphere.

Down-cycling of used materials can take many forms. As a sustainability adviser to IndyCar, can you think of any other materials that can be down-cycled? For example, used race car bodies can be transformed into functional artwork, like public benches or chairs and tables. What old materials would you use, and what would you make with them?

1. ground up the old tires and put them in turf fields.

2. trailors and stuff because trailors r big

3. recycling old engines

4. Metal parts can help build buildings.

5. old car parts

6. metal, wood, glass, rubber

7. The bodies of the cars can be recycled and the engines can be melted down for scrap steel.

8. light bulbs

9. energy is important.

10. snowboards into benches

11. I would make the old materials into a bench maybe.

12. Recycle metal from junkyards to make school buses

13. I really like the idea of turning used race car bodies into artwork because i really enjoy art.

14. i would use old bottles to make new ones

15. Astro turf fields

16. plastic, paper!!

17. Old shoe boxs for school projects

18. Paper make more paper

19. tires,scrap metal

20. recycled paper to make school news letters

If you were in charge of the R2Ei program, what other ideas would you suggest to reduce the carbon footprint of IndyCar transportation? (Remember, since you’re the boss you can be as creative as you like, but the solutions have to be realistic in order to make a real difference)

1. Make all the cars hybrids.

2. stop all transportation and make everyone walk :) in reality.... change all gas to flexfuel

3. Photosynthetic cars

4. ride a bike

5. Use solar.

6. Make your 18- wheeler BIOP DIESEL

7. So what i was thinking was we could take some c02 and then carbon dioxide and thn mix it so we can have a green enviornment.

8. Have it run on soda

9. To refuel the engine

10. give out pamphlets informing people on the R2Ei program

11.Reduce gas usage.

12. order the recall of cars and give them a electric car.............

13. I would implement electric vehicles instead of diesel trucks.

14. recall cars and give them a electric car....................

15. I would make sure that everything that could be recycled would be recycled.

16. Make everything be at one location

17. TAKE OUT THE CARBON

18. a bigger truck that uses less gas:)

19. Recycle, Reuse, Carpool, SOLAR PANELS!!!!!

20. I would suggest that they begin using efficient fuel sources for their vehicles.

21. recycle more

22. For every mile driven they will plant a tree

23. to not use as much energy

24. buy new light bulb More walking less driving

25. I would using ethinal and using led lights.

26. we would create a car that uses less fuel

It's a GREEN sign of the times... http://ping.fm/9D190

A "GREEN" sign of the times

When natural products like Method and Seventh Generation appear on the shelves of your local supermarket, and magazines like Sports Illustrated devote entire feature articles to sustainability, it’s a sign that the times are changing. Companies like Clorox, with their Green Works® cleaning products, and GE, with Ecomagination™, are shattering the old stereotypes of greener products being ineffective and expensive. And they are showing that large multinationals can win in the marketplace with natural, organic, and “eco” products—even during tough economic times.

“Today, developing greener products is no longer the right thing to do, but something you have to do,” says Al Iannuzzi in his new book, Greener Products: The Making and Marketing of Sustainable Brands. Customers—both individual consumers and businesses—are demanding it. “One of the reasons for this new focus is the greater awareness of environmental issues related to things such as hazardous chemicals in our food and bloodstreams, glaciers melting, and scarcity of resources and clean water,” he notes.

 In the book, Iannuzzi, senior director of product stewardship at Johnson & Johnson, offers practical advice on how to design and market greener products and services. He also shares best practices and lessons learned from companies such as Clorox, GE, Timberland, Philips, Apple Inc., Procter & Gamble, and BASF, as well as insights from guest authors Jim Fava and the Shelton Group.

Outlining the market and regulatory drivers, Iannuzzi makes the case for greener products. “Now more than ever, companies are interested in becoming more sustainable, and I believe that it is possible to strike a balance in meeting the world’s product needs while appropriately reducing the resources to meet this demand,” he says.

As Dan Esty, Hillhouse Professor at Yale University and co-author of the book Green to Gold, explains, “Green is the new black. To say this differently, sustainable products increasingly stand out in the marketplace, translating into faster sales, greater profitability, and deeper brand loyalty. Iannuzzi and his co-authors show the way to this future.”

CRC Press/Taylor & Francis Group

Marc Gutierrez

New Hampshire Motor Speedway Takes on "Green" Challenge. http://ping.fm/MTmgH

New Hampshire Motor Speedway Takes on "Green" Challenge

LOUDON, N.H. (Nov. 9, 2011) - New Hampshire Motor Speedway turned over a new "green" leaf during the 2011 season, with the help of Waste Management, the speedway worked to manage and reduce waste while recovering valuable resources and creating renewable energy.

"The Magic Mile" and Waste Management reached several milestones this year on their way to a "greener" environment. Exactly what is the speedway saving?

So far, the track has saved 180,211 kW of power which is enough to provide energy to 15 homes for a year. The speedway recycled 1,266 gallons of oil, which can heat and cool 15 houses for an entire year. 84,000 gallons of fresh water was saved, that's enough to meet the daily needs of 93 people for a year. The speedway has also planted 144 mature trees on property, which is enough to produce 1,784,100 sheets of newspaper. 

"NHMS is going above and beyond the standard recycling efforts traditionally seen in the area," said Jaren Naef of Waste Management. "They have started many new programs to help with their sustainability goals, including Single Stream Recycling, metal recycling, tire recycling, wood recycling, plastics, glass, paper and much more. There is a lot of time and effort put into running a race at the speedway, thousands of race fans are on site for days at a time, all generating massive amounts of waste. NHMS and WM have developed a comprehensive recycling plan that strengthens our business partnership and helps everyone reach their sustainability goals."

"Green" is definitely a way of life not just for the speedway, but for NASCAR as well. "Going 'green' is not a fad or trend; it is an important component for any business on a day to day basis. It is not only the right thing to do for the environment, but also helps reduce costs in many different areas everywhere," Naef added.

Bills Introduce Wind Power Partner WindStream Technologies

Micro-Wind Turbines to Produce Renewable Energy for Ralph Wilson Stadium

ORCHARD PARK, NY, Nov 03, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- The Buffalo Bills today announced an agreement with WindStream Technologies to install their innovative, micro-wind turbines to generate supplemental energy for Ralph Wilson Stadium.

The agreement represents an effort by the Bills to evaluate alternative sources for power, including Western New York's natural abundance of wind. The WindStream TurboMill(R) units, installed on the west end of the stadium beneath the video scoreboard, are expected to begin producing power in time for the Bills' home game against the Jets on November 6. This represents the first deployment of micro-wind technology in an NFL stadium.

"Our partnership with the Buffalo Bills allows us to demonstrate how a small investment in a clean energy solution like the TurboMill(R) saves money over time, and demonstrates to fans the team's commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability," said Dan Bates, CEO of WindStream Technologies. "As a nation, we need to innovate and lead the world in affordable and abundant clean energy, and with that comes quality American manufacturing jobs to help get our economy growing again."

WindStream's TurboMill(R) delivers clean, silent, renewable electric energy alternatives for urban or suburban settings, and for applications not connected to power lines. The TurboMill(R) device is expected to benefit municipalities, states, businesses, schools and residential customers in the U.S. who are seeking affordable ways to reduce energy costs and lower their consumption of energy generated through fossil fuels.

"The Bills are working with WindStream Technologies to target energy costs and promote the positive environmental impact that wind energy resources can provide," said Bruce Popko, Bills senior vice president of business development. "We're excited to implement this clean, silent alternative energy at Ralph Wilson Stadium."

WindStream has invested more than three years in design, engineering, testing, and optimization of its TurboMill(R) wind energy device, working with a global network of innovation and technology providers. As an Indiana-based company, the product is "Made in America." Manufactured in North Vernon, Indiana, the TurboMill(R) is being sold and distributed to a worldwide marketplace.

WindStream Technologies Inc., designs, manufactures and markets TurboMill(R) micro-wind turbines, a low-cost, highly efficient solution for urban, suburban and off-grid environments. Founded in July 2008, the company aims to become a leading distributed energy generation solution for the U.S. and developing nations worldwide. Manufactured in North Vernon, Indiana, the TurboMill(R) is "Made in America" and is sold and distributed to a worldwide marketplace. For more information please visit http://www.windstream-inc.com .

Founded in 1959, the Buffalo Bills are one of the most storied franchises in the National Football League (NFL). The Bills have won two American Football League (AFL) Championships (1964 - 1965) and won an NFL record four straight AFC Championships (1990 - 1993) that included four trips to the Super Bowl. The Bills are a progressive organization and pride themselves on the regionalization of their team. They hold their training camp in Rochester, NY and were the first NFL team ever to play a home game in Canada with the Bills Toronto Series that began in 2008. As Western New York's top-rated sports and entertainment choice, the Bills annually entertain three quarter of a million fans at Ralph Wilson Stadium, produce the region's number-one rated sports television programming, have one of the NFL's largest fan clubs with the Bills Backers, and host the most visited team website in Western New York. Under the guidance of Hall of Fame member and original team founder, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr., the Bills will play one regular season game in Toronto in 2011. For more Bills information, visit buffalobills.com, call (716) 648-1800, become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/buffalobills, follow the Bills on Twitter at twitter.com/buffalobills or get the Bills mobile app via buffalobills.com/fans/mobile-app.html.

American Ethanol Takes Center Stage for Green Flag Restart Award

Oct. 31: American Ethanol raced into the spotlight again this weekend at the Martinsville Speedway as last week’s winner, American Ethanol spokesman Clint Bowyer, was presented with the Green Flag Restart Award, which he won last week in addition to the first-place trophy. This prize, also sponsored by American Ethanol, goes to the driver recording the fastest average speed on restarts and finishing the race in the lead lap. The awards ceremony took place just before the Sprint Cup race in front of more than 100,000 fans.                    

Bowyer’s No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet race car also featured a special-edition American Ethanol paint scheme. Millions of TV viewers saw the American Ethanol brand, as the sporty black, silver and green paint design was on-track all weekend. Sunday, an in-car broadcast camera accompanied Bowyer during the race. This valuable coverage yet again amplified the strong point that NASCAR drivers trust American ethanol to protect their valuable cars while fueling them on to victory.

“With so many eyes on Bowyer following his victory at Talladega, many fans noticed how his car prominently featured American Ethanol last Sunday,” said NCGA NASCAR Advisory Committee Chair Martin Barbre. “It has already been an amazing year for both ethanol and NASCAR. We hope that by seizing opportunities to highlight American ethanol even further we can help even more people to understand the incredible performance and reliability of this sustainable, domestic fuel.”

During this first year of the multi-year partnership, American Ethanol aims to highlight ethanol to NASCAR’s immense fan base, many of whom may not of previously been familiar with ethanol or may have carried negative assumptions based upon misleading information. Putting NASCAR’s trust of E15 in the spotlight, the alliance shows consumers that the best drivers operating some of the most expensive cars in the world rely on E15 when the race is on the line.

Through its partnership with NASCAR, which is using Sunoco Green E15 racing fuel this season, American Ethanol is promoting the nation’s homegrown, clean-burning alternative fuel to millions of brand-loyal NASCAR racing fans. NASCAR has made a seamless transition to the new fuel by developing and implementing flawless distribution at the track, where many racing teams report an increase in horsepower.

In fact, in a detailed ‘white paper’ issued in September, NASCAR announced it has accumulated more than 1.3 million miles of driving in 2011 on America’s toughest proving grounds: the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™, NASCAR Nationwide Series™ and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series™. With these miles accumulated in practice, qualifying and racing laps in NASCAR racing vehicles – all without incident since the racing season began in February with the Daytona 500 – the report demonstrates the solid performance of mid-level ethanol blends. Click here to access the report.

Glad helps college football with recycling. http://ping.fm/XsoW6

Glad Helps College Football Programs

The average football game produces 50 to 100 tons of waste, so the Glad Products Co. has collaborated with the non-profit Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education to help college football programs in reducing waste for seasons to come.

Glad is providing a series of grants to AASHE college and university members that are designed to help put new sustainability programs into play. The collaboration also includes ongoing awareness and education around waste-reduction efforts in stadiums and tailgating areas.

To help other teams and tailgaters reduce waste, Glad is expanding its 27-year partnership with Keep America Beautiful to support the organization’s waste-reduction and recycling efforts on more than 150 college campuses. Additionally, Glad has unveiled a grant program for high school stadiums or youth sports leagues’ efforts to reduce waste and aid diversion.

Glad will kick off the AASHE collaboration by helping the University of Southern California and its fans implement waste reduction and diversion practices during pre-game tailgates, where an estimated 80,000 fans will be in attendance.

Glad will help USC tailgaters learn how to take steps to go “One Bag” – working toward the ultimate goal of sending just one bag of trash to landfill, with the rest being diverted to recycling and compost. Moreover, through a Glad grant, USC will implement an EnviroRider – an environmentally conscious production rider that serves as a handbook, presenting eco-friendly options and actions within the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. It outlines in-stadium sustainability practices to be implemented during games for the 2012-13 football season.

Glad has joined forces with eco-conscious actress and mom Ali Larter to help inspire consumers to take small steps against waste. Glad also has developed a One Bag toolkit, available at GladtoWasteLess.com, that provides a how-to guide on planning and executing a waste-conscious event.

Glad is committed to supporting youth sports programs by providing 10 $2,000 grants and counsel from sustainability experts to help youth stadiums or sports leagues’ waste diversion efforts. Entrants will share a brief description of their need and plan to take their high school stadium, community fields or youth sports league to One Bag status. The grant entry period runs through Jan. 31.

Glad is committed to taking small steps against waste, and supports the Environmental Protection Agency’s goal to divert 80 percent of solid waste from landfills by 2020. Glad introduced the new Glad Tall Kitchen trash bag that is stronger, yet uses less plastic. This innovation saves 6.5 million pounds of plastic per year, the equivalent of keeping 140 million extra trash bags out of landfills annually.

For race fans, if you have a minute, a Dan Wheldon memorial site, to leave condolences & remembrances can be found at http://ping.fm/Qfpcv

Sad day for the racing world. 5 lap salute to Dan Wheldon. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this horrible time.

New Nike offshoot to invest in green-tech startups Olga Kharif,Matt Townsend, Bloomberg News Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Nike Inc., the world's biggest sneaker company, is taking a page from Silicon Valley's playbook in an effort to cut production costs and foster a new generation of green-technology companies.
The company is setting up a venture-capital offshoot called the Sustainable Business & Innovation Lab to back startups focused on alternative energies and more efficient approaches to manufacturing. The lab also will seek out companies that promote healthy lifestyles, according to a description on Nike's site.
Nike is counting on innovation to help it cope with the economic slump and supply constraints. The Nike Free, a lightweight running shoe, helped boost sales 18 percent to $6.08 billion last quarter, topping analysts' estimates. The company also has sought ways to lower expenses amid rising costs for raw materials, labor and transportation.


More companies are working on these kinds of projects, said John Taylor, head of research for the National Venture Capital Association. In the past, it was mainly technology and pharmaceutical businesses starting venture arms, he said. With research budgets getting cut, a wider range of companies are now looking to startups to help them maintain their innovation.
"We are seeing consumer companies looking at venture capital," he said. "They feel there's an opportunity to look for fresh ideas."
Nike declined to say how much money it will devote to the project. The effort is in its early stages and hasn't made investments, which would need to be approved by management, said Mary Remuzzi, a spokeswoman for the company. "Leveraging innovation in sustainability can be a vehicle for growth," she said in an e-mail.


The risk is betting on companies that don't pan out. In 30 to 40 percent of cases, investors lose most or all the money they put into startups, according to Shikhar Ghosh, a professor at Harvard Business School. Seventy to 80 percent of the time, investors don't get their projected rate of return.
Nike's lab will primarily make equity investments in young companies focused on alternative energies. It will also finance partnerships with government and nongovernment organizations, according to the company's website.


By pursuing new sources of energy and sustainable production, Nike may be able to make its products more cheaply. It also helps the company appeal to environmentally minded customers, furthering an effort already under way. Last year, Nike introduced soccer uniforms that use recycled polyester made from plastic bottles.


In 2009, Nike helped start an Internet project with Best Buy called GreenXchange that promotes sustainability. The idea is to let patent owners collaborate online to find more eco-friendly ways of doing business.


Nike has tapped venture-capital and private-equity managers to run the new operation, including Avi Sahi, who was hired last December after working at the buyout firm Perseus LLC. John Hull, a longtime venture capitalist, also is working as a partner. He previously served as managing director at Marquam Hill Capital LLC and Intel's venture arm, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Nike is considering adding more staff to the effort, including a principal to evaluate investment opportunities and conduct exploratory research, according to its website.


The company isn't the only sneaker maker pursuing venture-capital investments. Adidas AG has backed Hydra Ventures, a fund started this year to focus on creating new consumer brands in apparel, footwear and sports-related areas.


The rivals are following in the footsteps of technology giants such as Intel. Its venture-capital division, Intel Capital, has invested more than $9.8 billion in more than 1,100 companies since 1991.


Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/09/28/BUMO1LA7OJ.DTL#ixzz1ZGy9Epk4

Campaign Calls on North America's Largest Stadium to Go Solar

by Jess Leber · September 27, 2011

More than 3,000 people have joined a campaign on Change.org calling on the University of Michigan to commit to using solar energy in its football stadium.

The campaign, created by the Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center, follows a growing NFL trend of renewable energy-powered national sports stadiums, including the homes of the Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, and Washington Redskins. Activists hope the petition on Change.org will lead the University of Michigan, home to the Big 10 Wolverines and the largest-capacity stadium in North America, to become the first big-name college football school to join in.

“The UM stadium has the potential to be the largest athletic venue in North America with solar panels, which is fitting with the University’s claim to be ‘the leaders and the best’,” said Monica Patel, policy specialist at the Ecology Center. “Even though the electricity generated won’t solve the climate crisis, it will go a long way in terms of solar energy education — just think of the awareness raised among the 100,000+ fans there on Game Day, and millions of others who tune in. The move would also give real support to Michigan's growing solar energy industry."

The petition, addressed to University President Mary Sue Coleman, Athletic Director David Brandon, and Director of Campus Sustainability Initiatives Terry Alexander, is being circulated online. Supporters also plan to seek signatures at Michigan football games this fall.

“In just a few weeks, the Ecology Center has inspired thousands of University of Michigan community members to make their voices heard on solar energy," said Jess Leber, a senior organizer at Change.org.

In 2009, University of Michigan students completed a feasibility assessment of a stadium solar project, estimating that an installation could divert 776 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Ecology Center’s campaign is asking University officials to take move beyond feasibility assessments by engaging with Michigan’s solar manufacturers and developing a project to offset some of the stadium’s electricity use and feed it back into the grid during times when the stadium isn’t used.

The petition asks University of Michigan leadership to announce a commitment to solar energy. Today, at the college’s annual EarthFest, President Sue Coleman announced major environmental commitments at the campus, but failed to address this request to use solar energy on the biggest symbol the school has.

Comments from petition signers such as these below can be found here:

Anthony King, UM alum and Ann Arbor resident: “As an alumnus of UM, I was always taught to think of us as the leaders and best, and not just for sports. Here is an opportunity for sports and the social and academic side of the University to work together, and set an example for the nation.”

Gloria Zimet, UM alum and Ann Arbor resident: “As an Ann Arbor resident and UM alum, I see this initiative as a golden opportunity for the university and its talented students to not only support environmental sustainability, but to become nationally recognized for their leadership role by doing so at one of its most beloved and well-known arenas, the ‘Big House.’”

Photo credit: Flickr user mrkum
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NFL stadium Farmers Field, will be the Nation's first Carbon-Neutral. http://ping.fm/cY1V7

Clinton Global Initiative Recognizes AEG for their Commitment to Action to Create Farmers Field, Nation's First Carbon-Neutral NFL Stadium

New NFL stadium, event center and modernized Los Angeles Convention Center raise the bar for sustainable entertainment and business development in a major urban area.

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Sept. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- At the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting today, leading sports and entertainment presenters AEG were recognized by former President Bill Clinton for their Commitment to Action to invest $1 billion to build Farmers Field, a 72,000-seat, downtown Los Angeles football stadium and event center. As part of AEG's commitment, the Los Angeles-based organization is working with partners, including the U.S. Green Building Council and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), to ensure that Farmers Field will be the most environmentally sustainable stadium in the world and the first stadium in the NFL to be LEED certified.

Through this Commitment to Action, AEG pledges to work closely with CGI to monitor environmental results and report back on progress. This comes on the heels of a bill passed by an overwhelming 80 percent majority of the California State Senate and Assembly that will require AEG to ensure that Farmers Field is 100 percent carbon neutral for all emissions generated from private automobile trips to and from the stadium and for Farmers Field to have the best ratio of fans to automobiles in all of the NFL. The stadium will prioritize on-site and local projects before purchasing carbon offsets to support local economic development while ensuring positive environmental and social impacts. In addition, as part of their Commitment to Action, AEG will go beyond legal requirements to achieve carbon neutrality for all emissions from energy consumption and mechanical operations of the stadium. Combining these commitments with additional measures, such as water conservation and robust waste and recycling programs, including the donation of durable goods and an in-house composting program, will create the nation's most comprehensive environmental program for an NFL stadium.

"The Clinton Global Initiative is a forum for visionary companies and leaders who are committed to designing a sustainable future for individuals, businesses and communities, by repurposing business methods and culture to solve critical global problems," said former President Bill Clinton. "AEG has proven to be the world's most environmentally conscious venue operators, and Farmers Field will be another true example of their mission to marry design, innovation, social responsibility and community engagement, resulting in a measurable impact for future generations. I commend AEG as a model socially responsible company that is the hallmark of CGI."

"Farmers Field will be an example of the next generation of sports and entertainment venues, where a world-class fan experience goes hand in hand with social and environmental responsibility," said Tim Leiweke, AEG president and CEO. "We have focused during the last four years on working with some of the most respected environmental organizations in the country to create a blueprint for the stadium and, through the AEG 1EARTH program, to create the most comprehensive environmental program in the sports and live entertainment industry. Our CGI Commitment to Action underscores AEG's dedication and accountability for making this vision a reality. We are honored to be recognized by President Clinton and this prestigious organization."

"Through Farmers Field, AEG is making the most environmentally responsible choice possible, with commitment beginning at the point of development," said S. Richard Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chairman, U.S. Green Building Council. "Investing in sustainable construction and weaving carbon and waste programs into the fabric of a venue, its operations and its surroundings creates the lowest impact on our environment and the greatest return for the company."

The Commitment to Action at CGI comes just weeks after the groundbreaking environmental components of the project helped garner the support of two of California's most respected environmental groups — the NRDC and the California League of Conservation Voters.

"NRDC applauds AEG's commitment operate the most energy efficient football stadium in the nation at Farmers field to develop a best-in-the-nation public transit infrastructure for fans and to offset the carbon emissions associated with all fan travel by cars and busses," said Allen Hershkowitz, PhD., senior scientist, Natural Resources Defense Council. "Given AEG's proven record as the worlds' greenest arena operators and their commitment to work with environmental and community groups in developing their plan, I have every confidence that this goal will be achieved."

"We are so proud to have a company in Los Angeles being honored by the Clinton Global Initiative for their proven track record of providing the most innovative solutions to environmental issues while also creating jobs and opportunities for the community," Mayor Villaraigosa said. "Their tireless commitment to innovative, environmental programs such AEG 1 EARTH has set the precedent for the sports and entertainment industry across the world to follow."

"Members of organizations across the city have come together to make Farmers Field a reality," said Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry. "We know that the entire city — even state — will benefit from the addition."

"Our focus locally lies not only on the environmental goals, but on the tens of thousands of jobs and tens of millions of economic benefits to the state," Speaker John A. Perez said. "AEG has been able to generate an opportunity for economic development without sacrificing our environmental standards."

"The construction of a news sports arena and convention center will create thousands of jobs and be an economic boost for the City of Los Angeles, the region and the state," Senator Alex Padilla said. "Unlike other stadium projects, this one will be built without any public funds and be built to unprecedented environmental standards."

AEG's plan is both environmental and economic. It is estimated that Farmers Field construction will create 23,000 jobs, including 12,000 full-time jobs during the construction process and 11,000 more permanent jobs at the convention center. The Los Angeles Convention Center modernization and expansion and Farmers Field project is projected to generate more than $600 million in total economic activity, raising more than $40 million in new city, county and state tax revenues.

"With record unemployment above the national average, the creation of 23,000 middle-class jobs for construction and hotel workers, stage hands, grips and janitors is critical to Los Angeles," said Maria Elena Durazo, executive secretary-treasurer of the Los Angeles Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO. "Our top priority is to get men and women back to work in a good job."

More information and a complete look at the 2010 AEG 1EARTH sustainability report are available at http://aegworldwide.com/about/companyoverview/aeg1earth#3.

About AEG:

AEG is one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the world. AEG, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Anschutz Company, owns or is affiliated with a collection of companies including over 120 facilities such as STAPLES Center (Los Angeles, CA), Best Buy Theater (Times Square, New York), Sprint Center, (Kansas City), Rose Garden Arena (Portland, OR), Target Center (Minneapolis, MN), Mercedes Benz Arena (Shanghai, China), MasterCard Arena (Beijing, China), O2 World Hamburg, Acer Arena (Sydney, Australia), The Globe arena (Stockholm, Sweden), O2 World arena (Berlin, Germany) and The O2 arena and entertainment district (London, England); sports franchises including the Los Angeles Kings (NHL) and two MLS franchises in addition to overseeing privately held management shares of the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA). AEG has created L.A. LIVE, a 4 million square foot / $2.5 billion downtown Los Angeles sports & entertainment district featuring Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE and Club Nokia, a 54-story, 1001-room convention "headquarters" destination (featuring The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles and JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE hotels and 224 luxury condominiums – The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE – all in a single tower), the Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14, "broadcast" facilities for ESPN, along with entertainment, restaurant and office space and developed The Home Depot Center in Carson, California designated as an "Official U.S. Olympic Training Site" by the United States Olympic Committee that includes major facilities for soccer, tennis, track & field, cycling and other sports. AEG Sports owns and operates a variety of events and tours and AEG Live is the world's second largest live entertainment, concert promotion and touring companies. The organization is also developing additional arenas in China and arenas in Stockholm and Las Vegas In addition to Farmers Field in downtown Los Angeles. In 2010, AEG launched its AEG 1EARTH environmental program with the announcement of 2020 environmental goals and the release of the industry's first sustainability report. The groundbreaking report contains metrics collected on resources consumed and wastes generated at 20 facilities from AEG's global network of venues. The report also highlights success stories such as the over 3,000 solar panels on the roof of STAPLES Center and Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE For additional information, visit www.aegworldwide.com.

About the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI):

Established in 2005 by President Bill Clinton, the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) convenes global leaders to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. Since 2005, CGI Annual Meetings have brought together nearly 150 current and former heads of state, 18 Nobel Prize laureates, hundreds of leading CEOs, heads of foundations, major philanthropists, directors of the most effective nongovernmental organizations, and prominent members of the media. These CGI members have made nearly 2,000 commitments, which have already improved the lives of 300 million people in more than 180 countries. When fully funded and implemented, these commitments will be valued in excess of $63 billion. The 2011 Annual Meeting will take place Sept. 20–22 in New York City.

This year, CGI also convened CGI America, a meeting focused on developing ideas for driving economic growth in the United States. The CGI community also includes CGI U, which hosts an annual meeting for undergraduate and graduate students, and CGI Lead, which engages a select group of young CGI members for leadership development and collective commitment-making. For more information, visit www.clintonglobalinitiative.org.