The Baltimore Ravens might as well have just won the Sustainability Bowl. In partnership with the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA), the organization has earned a LEED-EB Gold certification for M&T Bank Stadium.
It is now the first existing outdoor professional sports facility in the U.S. to receive a Gold designation.
“We wanted to step forward as a leader in the stadium industry by pushing the envelope with efficiency and sustainability,” says Dick Cass, president of the Ravens. “Our staff used creative strategies that produced significant energy and maintenance efficiencies and cost savings.”
Project highlights include:
- 43% water reduction with the installation of over 400 waterless urinals
- 27% above the national average in energy efficiency
- 123,070 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions offset
- 5,071,405 kWh of electricity reduced between 2005 and 2012
- 71% of regularly occupied spaces have access to outdoor views.
“One of the benefits of these efforts and this recognition is that the Ravens and MSA set a standard for existing stadiums, allowing us to help educate the public about the importance of retrofitting existing structures to help the environment,” says Roy Sommerhof, vice president of stadium operations for the Ravens.
Achieving LEED Gold does more than just showcase a commitment to the environment, says John Morton III, chairman of MSA.
“This standard of excellence enhances the value of our stadium,” he explains. “For many sports and entertainment entities, sustainability is a key factor in selecting venues. This designation improves our chances to attract these events.”
Other efforts at M&T Bank Stadium include:
- The stadium currently recycles 31% of its regular waste and plans to increase that figure.
- All purchases follow USGBC’s Sustainable Purchasing Policy to use recycled, renewable, and ENERGY STAR-labeled products.
- The green cleaning policy improves air quality and reduces waste with sustainable products and materials.
- The Ravens and MSA encourage using public transportation, with 10% of visitors using the MTA Light Rail service and 2% using “Ravens Ride” buses.
- An efficient irrigation system and adaptive vegetation reduces 30% of its potable water usage for outside irrigation.
