Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the new home to the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’ Atlanta United, has achieved LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Platinum certification, making it the first professional sports stadium in North America to do so.
The two-million-square-foot stadium, which opened in August, features unique sustainable solutions for water, lighting and overall energy conservation.
“We set out to build a venue that would not only exceed expectations, but also push the limits of what was possible in terms of stadium design, fan experience and sustainability,” Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United owner and chairman, said in a statement. “We set a goal of achieving the highest LEED rating because it was the right thing to do for our city and the environment. With this achievement, we have a powerful new platform to showcase to the industry and to our fans that building sustainably and responsibly is possible for a venue of any type, size and scale.”
Some of Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s key sustainability achievements include using 47 percent less water than baseline standards, featuring LED lights that last 10 times longer than standard lights and providing bike valet, EV charging stations and new pedestrian-friendly walkways.
The Golden 1 Center in Sacramento last year became first indoor venue in the world to be certified as LEED Platinum, and Blank has a long history in sustainable design as he built the first LEED Gold building in Georgia in 2004.
“By achieving LEED Platinum, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is showing fans and the larger Atlanta community that the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United leadership is committed to creating a space that is healthier and more sustainable,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, USGBC and Green Business Certification, Inc. (GBCI). “We commend Mr. Blank and his leadership team for raising the bar for their industry, creating a better experience for fans, and for helping to transform the built environment.”