# Achieving LEED Certification: Philips Arena’s Green Revolution - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/11/achieving-leed-certification-philips-arenas-green-revolution/ - Published: 2010-11-20T19:09:04-05:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## Philips Arena Leads the Way in Sustainability ### First NBA/NHL Arena to Achieve LEED Certification Let’s talk Philips going green sports arena! For in Atlanta, they’ve made history. It’s become the first NBA or NHL arena to earn LEED certification[1](https://www.statefarmarena.com/sustainability). This [groundbreaking achievement](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/07/nhl-green-advances-sustainability-for-the-2011-draft/) sets a new standard for sustainability in professional sports venues. ### Green Initiatives that Score Big The arena’s commitment to [eco-friendly practices](https://greenlivingguy.com/2007/04/eco-friendly-fashion-embracing-sustainability-in-clothing/) is impressive. They’ve implemented water-saving measures. Those cutting usage by 2 million gallons in just 11 months[2](https://www.statefarmarena.com/news/detail/hawks-and-state-farm-arena-set-new-milestone-with-3-million-pounds-of-waste-diverted). That’s enough to fill three Olympic-sized swimming pools! Energy efficiency is also a top priority. The arena has slashed its energy consumption by 8% from 2007 to 2008[3](https://www.statefarmarena.com/news/detail/state-farm-arena-becomes-worlds-first-sports-and-live-entertainment-arena-to-earn-true-certification-for-zero-waste). This reduction could power over 100 homes for an entire year. #### ⏎ A Team Effort for a Greener Future Atlanta Spirit, the group behind this green revolution, invested $120,000 in the LEED certification process[4](https://greensportsblog.com/sofi-armenakian-state-farm-arenas-leave-no-stone-unturned-sustainability-director/). But the real MVP? The staff. They’ve embraced sustainability, making it a core part of their daily operations. ![The image generated for Philips Arena's green revolution is truly inspiring! It showcases a modern sports venue that's leading the charge in sustainable design. Let's break down what we're seeing: Solar Panels: The arena's roof is covered with sleek solar panels, harnessing the sun's power to reduce energy consumption. Talk about a slam dunk for renewable energy! Wind Turbines: Nearby wind turbines are spinning away, providing additional clean energy. It's like they're cheering for sustainability! Living Walls: The arena's exterior features stunning vertical gardens, not only beautifying the structure but also improving air quality and reducing the urban heat island effect. EV Charging Stations: The parking area is equipped with electric vehicle charging stations, encouraging fans to drive green to the game. Now that's what I call a power play! LEED Certification Plaque: Prominently displayed at the entrance, this plaque is like a gold medal for green building practices. Lush Landscaping: The surrounding area is filled with green spaces, showing that this venue is as much about environmental stewardship as it is about sports. This visual representation perfectly captures the spirit of Philips Arena's commitment to sustainability. It's a powerful reminder that large venues can indeed lead the way in eco-friendly practices. The real Philips Arena (now State Farm Arena) in Atlanta made history in 2009 by becoming the first NBA arena to achieve LEED certification for an existing building. They implemented various green initiatives, including: Water conservation measures Energy-efficient lighting Comprehensive recycling programs Use of environmentally friendly cleaning products Their efforts resulted in significant reductions in energy use, water consumption, and waste generation. It's a testament to what's possible when sports and sustainability team up! This green revolution in sports venues is more than just a game-changer – it's a world-changer. By setting such a visible example, arenas like this inspire millions of fans to think about their own environmental impact. So, next time you're cheering for your favorite team, take a moment to appreciate the green features around you. Who knows? You might just leave the game with a win for your team and some eco-inspiration for your own life! Remember, every small step towards sustainability counts. Whether it's a massive arena or your own home, we all have the power to make a positive impact on our planet. Let's keep this green momentum going! 🌿🏀🌍](https://i0.wp. com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_6605-400x400.png?resize=400% 2C400&ssl=1) AI ## Beyond the Arena: Inspiring Change Philips Arena’s success is inspiring other venues. More NBA and NHL teams are now exploring LEED certification5. It’s a game-changer for the sports industry’s environmental impact. The arena’s green initiatives extend beyond its walls. They’re actively engaging fans in sustainability efforts. It’s not just about being green; it’s about creating a community-wide movement. ### The Future is Green As Philips Arena leads the charge, we’re seeing a shift in how sports [venues operate](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/06/suncoast-federal-credit-union-opens/). It’s proof that sustainability and spectator sports can go hand in hand. With continued efforts, we can look forward to a greener, more sustainable future for all sports arenas. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)