Moda Center, home of the Portland Trail Blazers NBA basketball franchise, has become the first pre-existing arena to receive LEED O+M (v4.1) Platinum Certification in recognition of its green efforts.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and provides a framework to create healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings. Moda Center has been awarded the Platinum Certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC).
The Sacramento Kings’ Golden 1 Center, which opened in 2016, is also certified as LEED Platinum. The venue was built to LEED Platinum standards during construction but Moda Center becomes the first pre-existing arena to achieve the certification.
Moda Center has been recognised for its strong partnerships with companies that share similar goals such as DeSantis Landscapes, which turns food waste gathered at the venue into soil, which is then used throughout the Rose Quarter campus.
The Moda Center Environmental Services team post-sorts after every event held at the arena, examining every bag of waste and properly sorting materials into the appropriate streams.
Moda Center also manages its supply chain and waste stream through environmentally conscious purchasing, recycling and food waste diversion with support from local non-profits. Other green-focused initiatives include low-flow toilets and fixtures, smart irrigation and controls, renewable energy credits, local food sourcing and electronic vehicle charging stations for staff and fans.
“We are very proud to be the first existing professional sports arena to receive LEED Platinum certification,” Chris McGowan, president and chief executive of the Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter, said.
“Nine years ago, we were the first existing arena to achieve LEED Gold status, and we continue to innovate and develop our sustainable processes and procedures to provide a healthy, sustainable arena for our community. Sustainability is and always will be a crucial part of our culture. We would not have gotten here without our dedicated guests, staff and our partners at Levy Restaurants.”
The NBA’s head of arena development and standards, Erin Schneiders, added: “Moda Center has been a leader in sustainability within our league and across the sports and entertainment industry.
“Since their initial certification almost a decade ago to now achieving the highest level of accreditation, they have demonstrated a continued commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe space while reducing their environmental impact.”
Earlier this month, US Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings NFL American football team, became the first professional sports venue to achieve the highest rating level offered through the LEED programme. The LEED Platinum energy and environmental certification was secured by using the Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M) rating system for existing buildings.
Image: Another Believer
