2011 Waste Management Phoenix Open To Be Powered By Green Energy From APS

PHOENIX, Ariz. – The 2011 Waste Management Phoenix Open will be powered using “Green Energy” from APS. Green Energy is energy that can be extracted, generated, and/or consumed without any significant negative impact to the environment. Through the purchase of 125,000 kilowatt hours of Green-E Certified Renewable Energy Credits or RECs from APS, Arizona’s largest and longest-serving electricity utility, the tournament further lessens its impact on the environment.

According to APS, 125,000 kilowatts of renewable energy should be more than enough to power the TPC Scottsdale during tournament week. For example, an average household uses 1,400 kilowatt hours of power per month during the summer months.

“Based on recommendations from WM, the tournament is purchasing renewable energy,” said 2011 Tournament Chairman Mike McQuaid. “By powering the 2011 Waste Management Phoenix Open with green renewable energy, we move one step closer to becoming the ‘Greenest’ show on Grass. We’ve come a long way and are continually striving to become the greenest professional sporting event in the world.’”

The tournament’s green initiatives will be evident throughout tournament week including a GREEN OUT on Saturday, February 5, during the 3rd round of the tournament, a tournament-wide recycling program, a water conservation program as well as prizes offered to fans that are caught “green-handed.”

“While APS is at the forefront of renewable energy development, it takes customers such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, who understand the importance of renewable energy, to make Arizona the solar capital of the world.” said APS Director of Renewable Energy, Eran Mahrer.

The Waste Management Phoenix Open will be played January 31 – February 6, 2011, at the TPC Scottsdale. The tournament host Thunderbirds have raised more than $70 million for charities, with more than $41 million generated since 2004. The 2011 edition will mark the 76th playing of the event, making it one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR (not including the major championships). Title sponsor Waste Management, Inc., based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. It is also a leading developer, operator and owner of waste-to-energy and landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the United States. The company’s customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America. For more information on Waste Management visit wm.com or thinkgreen.com.

For more information on the Waste Management Phoenix Open, visit www.wmphoenixopen.com.