Industry News

Populous secures first LEED Platinum rating

The University of Colorado Athletics Complex has received a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum rating, becoming the first building designed by global architecture firm Populous to be awarded with the certification.

LEED Platinum is the highest possible ranking available from the U.S. Green Building Council, which recognises venues for their sustainability efforts.

The expanded facility opened in early 2016. It has been recognised for its 365-day-a-year usability with water conservation methods associated with Boulder Creek, use of locally sourced and recycled materials, and solar roof panels,

All drinking fountains at the complex offer water bottle filling stations, with all restrooms featuring 100 per cent recycled and composted waste products.

“It’s a goal for Populous to be environmentally conscious on all of our projects, and achieving sustainability at a LEED Platinum level takes a team effort,” Scott Radecic, senior principal at Populous, said. “Not only did we achieve something that few other athletic facilities have, but we’ve created a sustainable gathering space for the greater Boulder community.”

The expanded complex features new locker rooms, a weight room and academic spaces for the Dal Ward Athletic Center, along with premium seating additions and the Touchdown Club for Folsom Field, a medicine and sports centre, and the climate-controlled indoor practice facility.

A number of Populous-designed facilities have achieved a LEED rating of Gold or above in the last year. They are: T-Mobile Arena, ICC Sydney, Georgetown University’s Thompson Center and the University of Utah’s Jon M. and Karen Huntsman Basketball Facility.

Earlier this year, the recently-opened Mercedes-Benz Stadium was awarded LEED Platinum certification. The stadium is the home of NFL American football team the Atlanta Falcons and Major League Soccer franchise Atlanta United.

Golden 1 Center, home of NBA basketball team the Sacramento Kings, also holds LEED Platinum certification.

Image: Populous