The Pittsburgh Penguins, a legendary NHL franchise, are renowned not just for their on-ice performance but also for their commitment to sustainability.
In 2023, the franchise launched the Penguins Pledge, a sustainability collaboration between the hockey team and key partners. The initiative builds on the Penguins’ previous efforts, including the establishment of PPG Paints Arena, the first NHL venue to achieve LEED Gold certification for green building. The Penguins are now taking steps to further increase sustainability in the arena through a cutting-edge recycling program, food waste reduction, chemical-free cleaning, and, finally, ambitious efforts to measure and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve their decarbonization goals, the Penguins have partnered with Persefoni.
Measuring carbon footprint from complex operations
Before they could make strategic decarbonization decisions, the Penguins faced the daunting task of calculating their carbon footprint — a first for the organization. The challenge was compounded by the complexity of their operations. They not only needed to calculate emissions from an NHL arena — a large facility with substantial energy and water usage — they also had to account for unique operational considerations, like ice maintenance and the use of Zamboni fuel. When they first met with Persefoni, the team had partial data and some accounting processes in place but lacked the in-house expertise to fully understand and manage their emissions.
A streamlined platform with expert support
Supported by EQT Corporation, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Official Net Zero Partner, the team was introduced to Persefoni’s experts and saw a live demo of the platform. They decided that Persefoni Advanced offered the capabilities they needed and began integrating their existing operational data into the platform. Persefoni staff provided training and continuous support, ensuring they got the most out of the tool. 'It was easier than I thought it would be,' says John Sodini, the Penguins’ VP of Operations, who led the effort.
Laying the groundwork for efficient decarbonization
By partnering with Persefoni, the team was able to easily upload their data, streamlining the carbon accounting process. The user-friendly platform enabled them to quickly identify emission hotspots, setting the stage for targeted and efficient reduction strategies. Following their success using carbon accounting software to manage scope 1 and 2 emissions, the Penguins now plan to expand their focus to reducing emissions from scope 3 sources like business travel.
Becoming a sustainability leader
In partnership with Persefoni, the Penguins have embarked on a breakaway effort to become sustainability leaders in the world of hockey. Armed with advanced carbon accounting tools and expert guidance, the team is now equipped to measure, manage, and effectively reduce its greenhouse gas emissions — ultimately accelerating progress toward net zero goals.
Partnership Publications
