Even though I'd rather read press releases about conservation than carbon offsets, I'm encouraged by two recent sports related press releases.

The Detroit Lions have announced that their Thanksgiving Day game against the Green Bay Packers will be the first 100% carbon neutral NFL game. Being the skeptic that I am, I looked the press release over carefully to see just what was included in the calculation of the game's carbon footprint:

Calculations for this event included all of the CO2 emissions for the energy usage from electricity, gas and water used at Ford Field, along with the emissions emitted from the travel of fans (automotive) and the opposing team (air).

The carbon footprint calculation for this one-day event totals 933 tons of greenhouse gas emissions — all of it offset with the assistance of Carbon Credit Environmental Services.

Of course, the impacts of this game won't really be 100% offset (what about the TV production), but the Lions are doing their fair share.

Another team that's trying to have an impact is the New Jersey Nets. According to their press release, they're are trying to become the first carbon neutral NBA team.

The Nets are committing to a comprehensive “greening” program for the franchise and have tipped-off a broad environmental assessment of their operations with the goal of adopting sustainable practices in the operations they control. The Nets are targeting to become the first NBA team to become carbon neutral.

According to Nets owner Bruce Ratner:

We are committed to leading the way in environmental and sustainable initiatives in the sports and entertainment industry. Our goal is to go carbon neutral and to further incorporate environmentally friendly strategies in our daily routine. We are making ourselves accountable and taking a positive approach to the issue of climate change.

According to Pamela Lippe, president of e4, inc., the sustainability consulting firm the Nets have engaged:

What makes the Nets initiative unique is their comprehensive approach and their commitment to engaging their fans and season ticket holders. The most significant impact that greening a sports team can have is reaching and influencing their fan base.

Of course with the Nets scheduled to relocate to a new home in Brooklyn in 2009, now is the time to identify green building priorities and implement conservation strategies that will fulfill the promise of the theme Nets Shoot to be Green.

As you gather around the television this holiday weekend, pay attention to what the talking heads have to say about the carbon neutrality of the Lions game against Green Bay. As Pamela Lippe says: the most significant impace that greening a team or game can have is reaching and influencing the fan base.

Carbon Neutral Journals thoughts are brought to you by Hawtin Jorgensen Architects.

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