Nation’s first LEED Platinum designation for collegiate stadium goes to UNT’s Apogee Stadium

Introduction

First of all, let’s hear it for Stadium UNT. For the United States Green Building Council has awarded the University of North Texas’ Apogee Stadium. That’s most noteworthy as a LEED Platinum Certification. Thereby making it the first newly constructed collegiate football stadium in the nation gone LEED.  Surprisingly, achieving the highest level of LEED certification. 

UNT’s Sustainability Efforts

The University of North Texas (UNT) has made history. That’s by being the first to receive a LEED Platinum certification for their Apogee Stadium. Thereby setting the benchmark for sustainable collegiate stadiums.

Making of Apogee Stadium

Surprisingly, the LEED Platinum certification for Apogee Stadium. For it was received by the University of North Texas. Consequently making it the first sustainable collegiate stadium to receive the prestigious award.

LEED Platinum Certification

The University of North Texas has also been a front-runner in sustainability efforts. For it now achieved the highest level of LEED certification. All with their Apogee Stadium. The stadium features distinct sustainable designs. That’s also including a rainwater harvesting system. As well as natural ventilation, and a reflective roof to reduce heat buildup. The LEED Platinum certification reflects UNT’s commitment to sustainability. For it serves as an example for other collegiate stadiums to follow. Overall, Apogee Stadium is a game-changer. For that’s in the world of sustainable sports venues.

3 Certified Buildings 

Currently there are three LEED Gold certified buildings on UNT System campuses. For the flagship campus in Denton, UNT Dallas and the Health Science Center in Fort Worth with two more awaiting certification.

Because UNT uses its buildings for 50-75 years. Thereby LEED certified buildings are practical.

So by building in this manner, the sustainable features of the buildings pay for themselves. All through their efficiencies within eight years.

Apogee Stadium

Apogee Stadium will achieve another first in December. That’s with most noteworthy the completion of three wind turbines. All that will feed the electrical grid that powers the stadium. Using a $2 million grant from the State Energy Conservation Office. So UNT currently is installing the wind turbines. I mean it’s making Apogee Stadium the first collegiate stadium designed to incorporate onsite renewable wind energy.

AIA LEED AP

Sustainable Design Highlights:

Enhancing the Site and its Surroundings

1. More than 50 percent of the stadium site is preserved or restored. That’s with landscaping that is native to the North Texas climate.
2. The natural, park-like setting allows the community to enjoy the venue year-round. Permeable pavers, combined with the native, landscaped site. For it’s also reduced stormwater runoff and minimize the heat island effect.
3. Campus bus stops, secured bicycle storage. I mean also preferred parking spaces for carpooling. For they were provided to promote use of the stadium by alternative means of transportation. Paved walkways and bike paths through the park-like environment.  For they connect back to the main campus. That’s encouraging fans to walk or bike to any stadium event.

Reducing Water and Energy Consumption

1. It is estimated the three wind turbines will provide approximately half a million kilowatt hours per year. That’s for the UNT Eagle Point power grid. Thereby effectively eliminating 323 metric tons of CO2. All from being emitted annually into the atmosphere. A web-based monitoring system will provide details on energy production. I mean carbon reduction statistics and empirical data. For that can be used for both educational and research purposes at UNT.
2. The high-performance stadium design uses energy-efficient heating. Also ventilation and air conditioning and lighting equipment. Thereby reducing energy consumption by 25 percent.
3. Low flow plumbing fixtures – such as sinks, toilets, urinals and showers. For they will reduce water consumption by more than 52 percent.

Promoting Sustainable and Recycled Materials

1. Seventy-five percent percent of construction waste materials were recycled by the stadium’s contractor and prevented from being dumped in a landfill.
2. Of the products and materials used in the construction of the stadium. That’s 20 percent were made with recycled content and more than 47 percent were manufactured locally.
3. To further reduce CO2 emissions, higher percentages of fly ash were substituted for cement to construct the concrete portions of the project.

Improving Indoor Environmental Quality

1. Low volatile organic compound emitting materials such as adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings and also flooring. For they were used to improve the indoor air quality for the building occupants.
2. Ninety percent of regularly occupied indoor spaces provides occupants with natural daylight and also views to the outdoors.
3. UNT implemented green policies and procedures for stadium operations and maintenance. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, UNT’s Apogee Stadium is a shining example of sustainable design and environmental responsibility. The stadium’s LEED Platinum certification is a testament. Especially to UNT’s commitment to creating a sustainable future. Most noteworthy is Apogee Stadium’s innovative features. For that’s such as its rainwater harvesting system, solar panels, and efficient lighting. For they serve as a model for other collegiate stadiums to follow. By prioritizing sustainability, UNT is not only reducing its environmental impact. For it also showing its dedication to the health and well-being of its students and community. As we look towards the future, it is clear that UNT and Apogee Stadium will continue to lead the way. That’s in sustainable design and inspire others to do the same.

Source: DENTON (UNT), Texas – University of North Texas

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