The newly opened $1.6 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta earned LEED Platinum certification and is one of the latest sports venues to showcase sustainability.
Earning 88 out of a potential 110 points, the facility is the first sports arena to achieve the Platinum rating. Stadiums and arenas have become showcases for green design, with owners finding that they are cheaper to operate and generate positive publicity for their environmental responsibility.
The Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, home of the Sacramento Kings N.B.A. franchise, became the first LEED Platinum arena when it opened in 2016. Dozens of sports arenas and stadiums around the globe have installed solar panels, LED lighting and scoreboards, energy efficient air-conditioning and dehumidifiers, and composters.
Many use a translucent coating on windows to reduce solar heat gain. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to Atlanta Falcons of the N.F.L. and a Major League Soccer team, holds up to 680,000 gallons of rainwater collected from the roof.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Sep 7, 2018
NIST releases report outlining steps to bolster disaster resiliency
Offers immediate occupancy building codes and performance standards strategies.
Codes and Standards | Sep 6, 2018
Coalition of mayors around the globe pledge net-zero buildings by 2030
New construction to produce as much energy as it consumes.
Codes and Standards | Sep 5, 2018
New White Paper on Metal Panel Fire Safety Released
Has detailed information for insulation, fire safety requirements in U.S., other countries.
Codes and Standards | Aug 31, 2018
Trade war could make adaptive reuse more attractive
Higher cost of building materials could make rehab a better financial bet.
Codes and Standards | Aug 30, 2018
Metrics should guide strategy for schools seeking LEED certification
Assessing current status helps direct where improvements can have greatest impact.
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2018
The 2018 IAPMO solar and swimming pool codes now available
For installation and inspection of public and private swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs.
Codes and Standards | Aug 28, 2018
New York’s green roof program needs reform
Despite incentives, few owners add vegetative roofs.
Codes and Standards | Aug 24, 2018
Resilience, sustainability emphasized in plans for new 23,000-acre city in the Philippines
“A backup for when Manila fails.”
Codes and Standards | Aug 23, 2018
Cities promote deconstruction of old homes with mixed results
Market factors complicate efforts to recycle material from old structures.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2018
Oregon is first state to change building code to allow tall mass timber buildings
Statewide alternate method allows early technical consideration and approval.