Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons.
When it comes to eco-friendly architecture, powerhouse sports arenas might not be the first thing to come to mind—until now. Stadiums across the nation are setting the standard for sustainability, revamping their builds to be more energy-conscious and include environmentally-friendly design features. Boasting LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications—a globally recognized symbol of sustainability—these are just a fe
w of the stadiums paving the way toward a greener future.
Nationals Park: Washington, D.C.
Washington D.C.’s favorite ballpark was the first professional sports stadium in the United States to earn its LEED Silver certification. The park is located close to the Anacostia River, so it boasts an intricate water filtration system designed to treat both groundwater and stormwater runoff. It treats both sources, screening for organic debris, before the water is collected and released into the river.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium: Atlanta, GA
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium—home of the Atlanta Falcons—is on its way to claiming the first LEED Platinum certification in the NFL and MLS. It’s also pursuing the standards for the new LEED Pilot Credit called Water Restoration Certifications (WRCs), and will be the first sports facility to achieve all water credits available for LEED. The breadwinner is a 680,000-gallon cistern for recapturing and reusing rainwater.
Levi’s Stadium: Santa Clara, CA
The home of the San Francisco 49ers is the first football stadium in the U.S. to receive a LEED Gold certification. The stadium is fixed with 1,000-plus solar-energy elements, including 1,162 photovoltaic panels, and three solar-covered NRG Energy Bridges. Its entire design was built to achieve net zero energy performance, meaning the 49ers’ 10 scheduled home games are totally powered by solar energy.
AmericanAirlines Arena: Miami, FL
Miami’s top sports and entertainment venue—and where the Miami Heat shoot their hoops—is the world’s first sports facility to earn LEED Gold. At least 75 percent of the venue’s annual electricity use comes from renewable energy, largely powered by a solar reflective roof, and over 85 percent of its paper consumables meet LEED’s sustainability criteria.
This is only a taste of the LEED-certified stadiums making an effort to go green. Keep an eye out for more soon-to-be leaders on the scene.
About the Author
Adam Young is the founder and CEO of Event Tickets Center. As a frequent attendee at sporting events around the country, he’s excited to see an increasing number of venues moving toward green initiatives.