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Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles, has been certified as a LEED Platinum building for its commitment to operational sustainability, becoming just the second previously constructed NFL stadium to receive the award.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and is the most widely used green building rating system in the world.
LEED Platinum is the highest of all LEED certifications. Lincoln Financial Field is one of only two previously constructed stadiums in the NFL to achieve Platinum status – and the only one that is more than 10 years old, having opened in 2003.
Lincoln Financial Field achieved LEED Platinum for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in areas including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
According to the Eagles, Lincoln Financial Field is the first professional sports stadium in North America to install a hydrogen refuelling station to power its passenger vehicles, as well as the first NFL stadium to recycle beverage containers through the utilisation of reverse vending machines.
The stadium also features 10,456 solar panels, which produce around four megawatts of clean energy annually. Other elements include water filtration fountains to eliminate plastic water bottles, and a closed-loop recycling programme that collects bottle caps and turns them into new materials for use at the stadium.
The Eagles also achieved a 50% wattage reduction by replacing the stadium’s lights with patented, high-powered LED lighting technology. The stadium also diverts 99% of waste from landfills and operates on 100% clean energy.
Jason Miller, senior vice-president of operations at the Eagles, said: “Earning LEED Platinum from the US Green Building Council validates the hard work and dedication we put forth into being an environmentally responsible organisation.
“It starts at the top with chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie and president Don Smolenski who continuously drive innovation with their thoughtful and progressive leadership style. We have always operated through the lens of sustainability, so it is rewarding that our efforts are being recognised in such a distinguished way.”
Peter Templeton, president and chief executive of the USGBC, added: “LEED is a transformative tool that ensures a building is designed and operated to achieve high performance, improve human health, and protect the environment. By prioritising sustainability, the Philadelphia Eagles are leading the way in their industry and helping USGBC continue towards our goal of green buildings for everyone within this generation.”
US Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings, also holds a LEED Platinum certification. It was the first professional sports venue to achieve the rating by using the Arc performance platform.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons, is also LEED Platinum certified. The stadium received the award in November 2017, three months after opening.
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