An NFL First: Football Without the Footprint

Los Angeles Rams will launch an NFL first: a carbon management initiative called Football Without the Footprint.
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Los Angeles Rams will launch an NFL first: a carbon management initiative called Football Without the Footprint. PontiacAurora, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Los Angeles Rams will launch an NFL first: a carbon management initiative called Football Without the Footprint.

In a groundbreaking move for football, California Resources Corporation (CRC) and the Los Angeles Rams have announced a partnership that aims to significantly reduce the NFL team’s carbon footprint. The Football Without the Footprint initiative represents a major step forward in professional sports’ engagement with environmental sustainability.

Under this new agreement, CRC will become the Rams’ official carbon management partner on Football Without the Footprint. The collaboration will focus on reducing or offsetting carbon emissions from the team’s operations in the coming years. This makes the Rams the first NFL team in California to commit to purchasing locally sourced carbon credits to offset their environmental impact.

The Rams’ current carbon footprint is substantial, reflecting the energy-intensive nature of most NFL operations. While exact figures are not publicly available, NFL teams typically generate significant emissions from stadium operations, team travel, and fan transportation to games. The Rams’ home stadium, SoFi Stadium, is one of the largest in the NFL, with a capacity of over 70,000 fans. Energy use for lighting, climate control, and game-day operations contributes significantly to the team’s overall carbon footprint.

The Football Without the Footprint carbon credits will be sourced from CRC’s Carbon TerraVault, a business unit specializing in carbon capture and storage projects within California to address this. These credits are expected from various sources, including future Carbon TerraVault initiatives. One such project is the California Direct Air Capture Hub, which aims to remove atmospheric carbon dioxide and store it permanently underground in the Central Valley’s geologic formations.

Another potential source of carbon credits for Football Without the Footprint is Biomass with Carbon Removal and Storage projects. These initiatives utilize agricultural waste as a feedstock to produce renewable natural gas, offering an innovative approach to carbon management.

Beyond carbon offsets, the Football Without the Footprint partnership presents opportunities for the Rams to directly reduce their carbon emissions. The team will have the option to purchase locally produced hydrocarbons, such as responsibly sourced gas, from CRC’s Los Angeles Basin operations. These operations recently received a “Grade A” certification from MiQ, validating CRC’s efforts to reduce methane emissions across its assets.

The “Football Without the Footprint” initiative extends beyond the immediate goal of carbon reduction. CRC and the Rams have committed to investing in community impact efforts that integrate carbon management practices and education. These projects include garden builds, beautification efforts, and science, technology, engineering, art, and math initiatives.

Francisco Leon, President and Chief Executive Officer of CRC, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “As ‘a different kind of energy company,’ we are excited to provide the Rams with local, responsibly sourced energy solutions,” Leon stated. He emphasized the importance of the Rams’ role as a first mover in prioritizing local energy and carbon management solutions, not only for the team but also for local communities.

Jennifer Prince, Chief Commercial Officer of the Los Angeles Rams, echoed this sentiment. “At the Los Angeles Rams, we are proud to partner with purpose alongside CRC,” Prince said. She highlighted the partnership’s commitment to leading the charge in innovative carbon management solutions, benefiting both the community and fans while paving the way for a more sustainable future.

This collaboration represents a significant step in the intersection of professional sports and environmental responsibility. By focusing on local solutions and community engagement, the CRC-Rams partnership sets a new standard for how sports organizations can address their environmental impact while also contributing to local sustainability efforts.

As this initiative unfolds, it will likely serve as a model for other NFL teams and professional sports organizations looking to reduce their carbon footprint and engage in meaningful environmental stewardship. The partnership between CRC and the Rams demonstrates that even energy-intensive industries like professional sports can take meaningful steps towards sustainability, setting an example for fans and other organizations alike.

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