Did anyone else watch the All-Star game last night? Besides cheering for my hometown slugger (and homerun derby champ!), it got me thinking about sustainable stadiums. Are there any LEED certified sports venues? Is green building gaining momentum in sports venues just as it is in other sectors?Apparently it is, as my boyfriend — who, coincidentally, is researching LEED-certified sports venues for work at the moment — pointed out. A quick Google search this morning at work confirmed his theory, revealing that there’s even Web sites dedicated to covering sustainable sports venue news and announcements. Currently, there are a handful of LEED certified sports venues, most notably the Philips Arena in Atlanta and Nationals Park in D.C. Doing a search on USGBC’s Web site for registered (as opposed to already certified) stadiums and arenas reveals a much higher number, indicating that more sports venues will be getting certified as the months pass. Many of the registered projects seem to be college and university sports venues, which makes sense, given the popularity of LEED on many campuses.So, I’m curious. Does anyone have experience working in a green sports venue? What particular challenges did you face if you used LEED as a guide for going green? Do any facilities people in the education market have a green sports venue?
Your boyfriend should contact
Gilmour Bourke Reeve Commercial Green Building Services Technical Associate at http://www.southface.org
He was the LEED AP on the Philips Arena project.
Green sports venues is definitely gaining tremendous momentum even in these unstable times. I interviewed Jack Groh, the NFL Environmental Director back in 2008 when Arizona was promoted as hosting a “green” Superbowl. From that panel discussion it was clear that the NFL has had a strong passion for many years, and for all the right reasons.
But keep in mind that of the 24,769 buildings registered for LEED certification currently, there are only 3,111 that have actually achieved certification. Registering a project is currently extremely easy and inexpensive, while achieving certification is not, especially to the novice. Experience is key.
Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) design is the greatest contributor to LEED certification. I represent a large MEP design engineering firm, with a well established Sports & Entertainment Division that has been designing sustainable sports venues for decades. 10 years ago we spun off a commissioning subsidiary (required by LEED). Within a short time we had formed a division with an exclusive focus on LEED AP facilitation. So I would have to say that yes, LEED is gaining momentum, and will continue to do so, based on attendee demand, similar to what shareholder and student demand has done in the corporate and collegiate world.
Our company manages many sports venues around the nation and environmental stewardship is a core initiative of the company in all of it's divisions.
Here's one example:
"The ARAMARK team at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia received special recognition for collecting the highest amount of recycled material ever at the stadium – 7.1 tons – during one game (Eagles v. Bears October 21, 2007)."