The Seattle Sounders have announced a commitment to become carbon neutral by making no net contribution to carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere.
The Sounders worked with the Seattle firm Sustainable Business Consulting to calculate the organization's greenhouse gas emissions and develop a plan to eliminate those sources in the 2019 season and thereafter.
NEWS | Sounders FC becomes first carbon neutral professional soccer club in North America.
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) February 14, 2019
Through this commitment, we pledge our operations will make no net contribution to atmospheric carbon dioxide. 🌱
📝: https://t.co/W7BhYIFa0V pic.twitter.com/TLrcjWgAyL
For sources that can't be eliminated, like team travel, the Sounders will work to offset emissions in cooperation with Forterra, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainability.
"We're incredibly excited to announce that our club is officially carbon neutral," said Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer. "The Sounders have always been committed to investing in our community, and that includes recognizing the immense responsibility we have as environmental stewards.
"Sustainability is a key pillar of our club and this new step is a logical extension of the efforts we have already had in place.
The Sounders will host a tree-planting event on Feb. 24 in Burien, Washington, to kick off the program and begin the 2019 MLS regular season at home against expansion FC Cincinnati on March 2.