Conti partners MLS in US schools Solar Project

Continental Tire has joined Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation to provide a $50,000 solar installation to a school in the community of MLS Cup 2011 winner, the LA Galaxy, as part of the Bonneville Environmental Foundation Solar 4R Schools program, reports Tire Review. “We are thrilled to be working with MLS W.O.R.K.S and BEF to put a solar installation in a school in the hometown of the LA Galaxy, MLS Cup champions,” said Travis Roffler, director of marketing, Continental Tire.

“This programme will deliver an immediate energy saving impact to the school, allowing them to become more sustainable. At the same time, it represents an ongoing educational tool and a continual reminder of the many ways we can positively impact the environment.”
 
The first solar installation under this partnership, which will become an annual event, will be completed by Earth Week 2012. At that time, MLS W.O.R.K.S. and Continental will announce details about how one school in select MLS markets in the US will have an opportunity to earn a similar solar installation in 2013 and beyond.

The program will encourage fans and partners in various MLS communities to reduce carbon emissions and increase environmentally friendly behaviors, Continental said, adding that MLS communities will not only have the opportunity to leverage Solar 4R Schools educational components, but also to make a long-term infrastructural improvement for their local environment.
 
The Solar 4R Schools initiative is a part of the broader partnership between MLS W.O.R.K.S and Continental Tire known as Greener Goals, which strives to showcase practical ways to have a positive impact on the environment, according to Continental. Verified Carbon Offsets and Renewable Energy Credits have been purchased to offset fan travel and stadium operations for the championship match as well as the MLS All-Star game. In addition, Continental Tire, in partnership with the National Resource Defense Council has distributed nearly 20,000 reusable shopping bags, seed packets and Eco-tip guides on-site at MLS games from New York to Seattle.