Continental Tire, MLS W.O.R.K.S., and Bonneville Environmental Foundation Partner for Solar Installation

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Created on Monday, 28 November 2011 16:54

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Fort Mill, SC - November 28, 2011. Continental Tire, MLS W.O.R.K.S., Major League Soccer’s (MLS) community outreach initiative, and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) have joined forces to benefit the environment and our communities. Through the Bonneville Environmental Foundation Solar 4R Schools program, the partnership will provide a $50,000 solar installation to a school in the community of MLS Cup 2011 winner the LA Galaxy.

“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,” commented Travis Roffler, director of marketing, Continental Tire. “This program 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, in what will become an annual event, will be completed by Earth Week 2012. At that time, MLS W.O.R.K.S. and Continental Tire will announce details about how one school in select MLS markets in the United States 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. With the commitment and resources of Continental Tire, MLS communities will not only have the opportunity to leverage Solar 4 R Schools educational components but also to make a long-term infrastructural improvement for their local environment.”

“MLS W.O.R.K.S. is committed to environmental sustainability and is proud to be partnering with Continental Tire on this great initiative," said JoAnn Neale, executive vice president of Major League Soccer. “This announcement has provided another exciting element to what was an incredible MLS Cup final. The LA Galaxy and their community will benefit greatly from receiving a solar installation at a local school.”

Craig Collins, Solar 4R Schools program manager, added, "BEF and the Solar 4R Schools program are thrilled to have Major League Soccer and Continental Tire as partners in our efforts to bring solar and renewable energy education into schools and classrooms across the country.”

The Solar 4 R 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. Through the Greener Goals program MLS W.O.R.K.S and Continental Tire have combined efforts to help MLS clubs, fans and communities reduce their carbon footprint. Verified Carbon Offsets and Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) 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 (NRDC) has distributed nearly 20,000 reusable shopping bags, seed packets and NRDC Eco-tip guides on-site at MLS games from New York to Seattle.

About Continental Tire

With sales of €26 billion in 2010, Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes to enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also an expert partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently has approximately 164,000 employees in 45 countries.

About MLS W.O.R.K.S.

MLS W.O.R.K.S. is Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative dedicated to addressing important social issues affecting young people and serves as a platform for both League and club philanthropic programs. MLS W.O.R.K.S. seeks to establish Major League Soccer as a leader for improving the lives of people through sport.

About Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF)
An entrepreneurial nonprofit established in 1998, BEF finds innovative, high-impact solutions to some of the nation’s most pressing energy, carbon and freshwater challenges. We operate three interconnected groups: Our Renewable Energy Group helps build a critical bridge among key players to move small-scale and community-based green energy projects forward. And our award-winning Solar 4R SchoolsTM program arms K-12 schools with a small solar array and interactive teaching materials to educate the next generation of energy users. Our Watersheds Group is redefining how watershed restoration projects are designed, implemented and monitored. We believe it takes at least a decade to make a lasting difference within an ecosystem and we’re the only program in the country with a 10-year funder commitment. And finally, our Climate Business Group is one of the most trusted providers of market-based solutions that help businesses voluntarily balance their energy, carbon and water footprints. Our Renewable Energy Certificates, carbon offsets and Water Restoration Certificates® have helped more than 400 businesses nationwide reduce their impact while effectively engaging their stakeholders to become part of the solution. BEF is based in Portland, Oregon. Learn more at www.b-e-f.org.

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