U.S. Bank Stadium, home of NFL American football team the Minnesota Vikings, has been awarded LEED Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) recognises venues for their sustainability efforts and is the most widely-used third-party green building rating system in the world.
U.S. Bank Stadium was designed by leading architecture firm HKS and opened in July 2016. The Vikings said that the venue is only the second NFL stadium to be awarded LEED Gold certification.
Vikings owner and president Mark Wilf said: “The design and construction team emphasised building a highly-efficient facility and minimising its environmental impact. Today’s certification of LEED Gold means we accomplished our goal, giving all parties and the state of Minnesota another reason to be proud of U.S. Bank Stadium.”
According to the Vikings, U.S. Bank Stadium offsets 100 per cent of its energy with renewable energy credits, while the venue was the first NFL stadium to open with LED lighting. This lighting consumes 75 per cent less energy compared to a traditional metal halide.
U.S. Bank Stadium’s sloped roof also forms a heat reservoir at the top of the venue, storing solar heat and doubling up as a natural method of slow melt.
A sustainability programme is also underway with the goal of making U.S. Bank Stadium a zero waste facility and supporting green education with STEM tours for school groups.
USGBC’s president and chief executive, Mahesh Ramanujam, said: “The work of innovative building projects such as U.S. Bank Stadium is a fundamental driving force in transforming the way buildings are built, designed and operated.
“Buildings that achieve LEED certification are lowering carbon emissions, creating a healthier environment and reducing operating costs while prioritising sustainable practices. Because of U.S. Bank Stadium, we are increasing the number of green buildings and getting closer to USGBC’s goal to outpace conventional buildings, while being environmentally and socially responsible and improving the quality of life for generations to come.”
Last week, the recently-opened Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons, became the first NFL venue to be awarded LEED Platinum Certification.
Senior figures from the Minnesota Vikings are due to attend TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Summit on 28-29 November, Barcelona to represent the project.
Image: Darb02
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