But here’s a lesser known figure: During the course of this year, the university athletic program is expected to generate as much as 3,500 metric tons of the carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.

Now the program is working to be the first in the nation to be deemed carbon neutral. The Neutral Gator Initiative does energy retrofits, tree plantings and light bulb exchanges to offset emissions to a level equivalent to what is used by UF athletics. The University Athletic Association contributed $25,000 to the effort, and fans also can buy offsets at a cost of $10 a ton.

“When people buy a ton, they’re supporting the Gators and they’re also supporting these projects,” said initiative co-founder Jacob Cravey.

Volunteers with the initiative and Community Weatherization Coalition made retrofits last week at the Village and Forest Green public housing complexes in northeast Gainesville. They insulated hot-water pipes, installed low-flow shower heads and noted bigger problems for maintenance workers to address later.

After holding a carbon-neutral football game in 2007 and carbon-neutral home football season in 2008, this year’s goal is offsetting emissions from all UF athletic facilities, sports-related travel and association operations. Athletic Director Jeremy Foley said the effort uses the highly visible program to send a message about sustainability.

“It’s just the right thing to do,” he said.

For More information visit the Neutral Gator booth at every home Football Game (powered by Pure Energy Solar!) or visit them on line at http://www.neutralgator.org/