Dec. 11, 2008
Villanova, Pa. - The Villanova Wildcats have adopted a new color for the day -- green. Tonight's men's basketball game against the Saint Joseph's will be Villanova University's first "green energy" game.
Hess Corporation's Energy Marketing division is providing Villanova University with Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to support the generation of enough renewable energy to power the game. A REC is a tradable commodity representing that 1,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity were generated from a renewable energy resource such as solar, wind and geothermal technologies. Hess will be providing over 113,000 "green" kWh for the Dec. 11 game, which has the same environmental benefit as not driving a car for 170,000 miles.
"Villanova wants to support the advancement of renewable energy by investing in RECs and raising public awareness," said Vince NiCastro, athletic director for Villanova University. "Hess Energy Marketing is providing us with the green energy for this historic game and helping us identify other ways to manage our energy in an environmentally responsible way."
RECs are part of Hess' unique suite of smart and sustainable energy solutions. The company recently launched Hess C-Neutral, the nation's first carbon-neutral energy program for commercial, industrial and institutional customers. Earlier this year, the company introduced Hess Demand Response, which reduces energy usage, improves grid reliability and generates revenue that commercial and industrial customers can use to fund RECs or C-Neutral purchases.
Demand for environmentally responsible energy solutions continues to grow, according to Gene Kutcher, Hess vice president - Energy Marketing sales. "Many of our customers see it as part of their commitment to social responsibility and as a way to differentiate their brand," Kutcher said. "Buying RECs through Hess Renewable Energy program is a simple and cost-effective way for any electricity customer to support the creation of renewable energy sources."
The "green energy" game between the Wildcats and the Hawks will take place on December 11 at 8pm, and will be broadcast live, on ESPN2.
