The Pittsburgh Penguins will host “Penguins Pledge Night,” presented by U. S. Steel, on Thursday, March 5, during their game against the Buffalo Sabres at PPG Paints Arena. The event is part of the Penguins Pledge initiative, launched in 2023 to promote social, economic, and environmental sustainability within the organization.
The program involves collaboration with several partners such as The Coca-Cola Company, EQT Corporation, Indra Energy, Kimberly-Clark Professional, PPG, U. S. Steel, Wesco, Davey Tree Expert Company, Duquesne Light Company, Excelitas, Neighborhood Ford Store and WM. The goal is to reduce environmental impact and support sustainable practices while also advancing economic and social development.
During the event at PPG Paints Arena—a downtown Pittsburgh venue where the team hosts its home games—fans can participate in sustainability-themed activities throughout the concourse. Activities include viewing a live webcam of U. S. Steel’s resident bald eagles and seeing a life-size eagle wingspan display. Experts from the National Aviary will be present with live penguin ambassadors to raise awareness for conservation efforts focused on African Penguins.
The Penguins have worked since 2019 with 412 Food Rescue to prevent food waste at games and events by redirecting surplus food to community organizations across Pittsburgh. This partnership has resulted in rescuing over 57,000 pounds of food and preventing an estimated 163,041 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.
“We are proud to work with iconic Pittsburgh institutions like the Penguins to ensure that good food feeds people, not landfills,” said Alyssa Cholodofsky, CEO of 412 Food Rescue. “From sports franchises to businesses big and small, to the thousands of people who volunteer with us, our Pittsburgh community is fighting climate change and food insecurity as a team.”
Since 2022, more than 325 volunteers have participated in Sustainability Pledge Partner events alongside Friends of the Riverfront on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. These efforts contributed over 2,200 hours toward removing trash and invasive vegetation as well as planting native trees along Allegheny County riverfronts.
Additionally, since the start of the 2023-24 season the Penguins have partnered with EQT Corporation and Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) to offset their carbon footprint by purchasing locally generated forest carbon credits. This initiative has helped conserve more than 270 acres of green space in southwestern Pennsylvania.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are recognized for their consistent competition in the NHL through numerous playoff appearances and division titles. They are also known for Hall of Fame players and executives who have contributed significantly to their legacy (source). The franchise forms an important part of Pittsburgh’s sports culture through strong fan traditions and community engagement (source). Fenway Sports Group owns the team (source).
For more information about these initiatives or upcoming events related to sustainability efforts by the team visit: Penguins Pledge webpage.
