A Home Run for the Planet

The MLB All-Star Game is one of my favorite sporting events of the year.  I think it's because the outcome of the game actually matters to the players, the winning league gets home-field advantage in the World Series, so the players seem genuinely invested in the game.  

I'm especially excited this year because the National League will begin with a scene I'm fairly used to; Matt Cain pitching to Buster Posey.  I can't wait to see Posey at home plate tomorrow night!  Considering the fact that he set the NL balloting record with 7,621,370 votes, I'm not alone in my excitement to see him take the field for his first All-Star Game appearance.  

San Francisco Giant, Buster Posey

While I'm definitely routing for a National League win, I'm thrilled that the 83rd Major League Baseball All-Star Game is taking place in a certain American League Stadium. The Kansas City Royals home, Kauffman Stadium, recently became one of the greener stadiums in the MLB.  

Kauffman Stadium

The Royals partnered with KCP&L and installed the largest in-stadium solar array in the MLB! According to a press release from the Royals and KCP&L, the company installed a 28.8 kilowatt solar array that will produce approximately 36,000 kWh of renewable energy each year.  The 120 solar panels on the roof of Kauffman Stadium's Outfield Experience exemplify there commitment to maximizing renewable energy resources at the ballpark.  

Solar Panels at Kauffman Stadium

To educate fans about the solar energy system, KCP&L installed an educational kiosk in the Outfield Experience to show how the system benefits the Stadium and the greater Kansas City region.  I'm so happy that this all took place before the All-Star Game so even more sports fans see and hopefully learn about the benefits of solar.

In addition to the efforts of the Kansas City Royals, the MLB is also playing it's part and making the league's commitment to the environment a priority this All-Star Game.  Some of the league's efforts include:

• Addressing energy and water usage through efficiency measures and by investing in renewable energy offsets and water restoration credits
• Prioritizing recycling at events throughout MLB All-Star Week, including an All-Star Green Team of volunteers circulating Kauffman Stadium during the All-Star Game to collect recyclables from fans
• Raising awareness about the importance of "going green" via public service announcements in-stadium and environmental education materials online
• Incorporating eco-friendly materials including low volatile organic compound materials such as paint and sealants, low flow plumbing fixtures, FSC certified wood and locally produced materials into community refurbishment projects
• Collecting and donating unused food after several All-Star events including the All-Star Game Gala and the Pre-Game Celebration

So, even though I'm hoping Cain & the NL walk away with the win, I'll be happy regardless because the event is a home run for the planet!

A Truly Perfect Game

It was an exciting week in baseball, especially for San Francisco Giants fans! On Wednesday, June 13, 2012, Matt Cain pitched a perfect game - the first by any Giants pitcher since the team was established in 1883. That's 130 years for those of you who aren't great at math.

Cain led the Giants to a 10-0 victory over the Houston Astros in the 22nd perfect game in MLB history. While reaching one of the most elite clubs in Major League Baseball, Cain threw 125 pitches, the most ever thrown in a perfect game, and struck out 14 batters, matching Sandy Koufax's total for the most K's in a perfect game.

Needless to say, AT&T Park felt like it was right back in the 2010 World Series. The energy was electric. As both a sports enthusiast and environmentalist, I can't help but feel the game was even more perfect because the historical moment took place in one of the greenest ballparks in the world.

Besides having some of the most talented athletes in the world, the San Francisco Giants have some of the most impressive environmental policies and practices in all of sports.

Here are just some of the home runs the San Francisco Giants have hit for the planet:

-In 2010, AT&T Park became the first major league ballpark to receive LEED Silver Certification for Existing Buildings, Operations and Maintenance.

-In 2007, in a partnership with PG&E, AT&T Park became the first MLB ballpark to install a solar power system.
     ~PG&E installed 590 Sharp solar panels
     ~The system generates green energy for PG&E customers in SF.

-In 2007, the Giants installed a new HD scoreboard that uses 78% less energy than the ballpark's original

-In 2009, the Giants established the "Green Team," a group who go into the stands at the end of the 7th inning to collect recyclables and remind fans to recycle.

-Through aggressive recycling and composting programs, the Giants currently lead the MLB in waste management with more than 85% of the Park's waste diverted from landfill.

-In April 2012, the Giants partnered with Hanwha Solar and launched a green initiative campaign called "I SUN SF," which amongst other things included the installation of a solar PV system at the ballpark.

As I said above, this is just a preview of some of the efforts the SF Giants have taken to make their ballpark and team the "greenest" in the country.  For more comprehensive information, click here.

Congratulations to Matt Cain and the San Francisco Giants on a truly perfect game!