# UNT Apogee Stadium and Its LEED Platinum Certification

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/unt-apogee-stadium-and-its-leed-platinum-certification/
- Published: 2011-10-25T20:36:46-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Introduction to Apogee UNT Stadium

First of all, let’s hear it for Stadium UNT Apogee. For the United States Green 
Building Council has awarded the University of North Texas’ Apogee Stadium. That’s
most notably as a LEED [Platinum](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/10/developers-of-first-platinum-leed-nd-project-offer-greenbuild-takeaway/)
Certification. It’s a prestigious recognition that underscores the stadium’s commitment
to sustainability and environmental stewardship. This remarkable achievement not
only highlights the innovative architectural design and construction methods. It’s
also sets a benchmark for future projects across the nation. Thereby making it the
first newly constructed collegiate football stadium in the nation gone LEED. For
Apogee Stadium represents a significant milestone in the movement toward greener
facilities in higher education. Surprisingly, achieving the highest level of LEED
certification demonstrates that it is possible to create venues that are not only
functional and aesthetically pleasing but also reflect a deep respect for environmental
integrity and resource conservation, serving as an inspiring model for other institutions
to follow.

#### Stadium UNT’ Apogee’s Sustainability Efforts

![Exterior view of Ntapogee Stadium featuring a large green LEED Platinum certification
sign and a crowd of spectators.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/
uploads/2011/10/image-14.png?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1)

Apogee Stadium featuring its LEED Platinum certification, showcasing UNT’s commitment
to sustainability and innovative design.

The University of North Texas (UNT) has made history. It is the first to receive
LEED Platinum certification for Apogee Stadium. This recognition is prestigious.
It highlights the university’s commitment to sustainability. Their dedication to
environmental stewardship resonates with their values.

By integrating innovative design features, energy-efficient systems, and eco-friendly
materials, UNT has set an impressive benchmark for sustainable collegiate stadiums
across the nation, highlighting the possibility of harmonizing sports infrastructure
with ecological responsibility. This pioneering effort is expected to inspire other
educational institutions to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that emphasizes
the importance of green building practices in the world of sports and beyond.

It demonstrates how initiatives can improve the spectator experience and reduce 
environmental impact. This achievement shows that higher education can promote sustainability,
encouraging fans, students, and stakeholders to appreciate and support greener practices
in their lives, while creating a lasting culture of environmental awareness.

As universities increasingly embrace sustainability as a core principle, the hope
is that this will ignite a broader movement in the sports industry, paving the way
for a more sustainable future that benefits all.

#### Making of UNT Apogee Stadium

Surprisingly, the LEED [Platinum certification for Apogee Stadium](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/09/north-carolinas-first-leed-platinum-elementary-school/)
was received by the University of North Texas, marking a significant milestone in
sustainable architecture. This remarkable achievement not only highlights the university’s
commitment to environmental stewardship but also exemplifies innovative design and
construction practices. Consequently, making it the first sustainable collegiate
stadium to receive the prestigious award, Apogee Stadium sets a new standard for
future developments in higher education. The advanced technologies employed in the
stadium, such as energy-efficient systems and water conservation measures, further
underline the university’s dedication to creating a greener campus and promoting
eco-consciousness within the community.

#### LEED Platinum Certification

The University of North Texas leads in sustainability efforts. It recently achieved
the highest level of LEED certification with its Apogee Stadium. This stadium showcases
distinct sustainable designs. It includes a rainwater harvesting system and natural
ventilation. It also features a reflective roof to reduce heat buildup. The LEED
Platinum certification highlights UNT’s commitment to sustainability. It serves 
as a model for other collegiate stadiums. Overall, Apogee Stadium changes the game
in 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. As well as the Health Science Center
in Fort Worth. That’s also with two more awaiting certification.

UNT buildings last 50-75 years. This length of time saves you money on maintenance
and operations. It also invests in infrastructure that boosts budget efficiency.
This also supports education by creating stable and sustainable learning spaces.
LEED approved buildings use green materials and innovative designs. They improve
energy efficiency and lower utility costs. These buildings foster a healthier indoor
climate for students and staff. By focusing on sustainable construction, UNT cuts
its carbon footprint and sets an example for others. This approach promotes a culture
of [sustainability on campus](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/05/exploring-eco-friendly-university-college-campuses/).

So by building in this manner, the sustainable features of the buildings pay for
themselves, creating a compelling case for green architecture and construction practices.
This return on investment is achieved through their efficiencies, which encompass
energy savings, reduced water usage, and better material management, all contributing
to lower operational costs. These benefits become evident within eight years, offering
an attractive timeline for both developers and investors who seek to maximize profitability
while contributing to a healthier environment. Ultimately, this approach not only
makes financial sense but also promotes a sustainable future for communities and
the planet as a whole.

### Apogee Stadium

More surprisingly, Apogee Stadium achieves another first in December with the completion
of three wind turbines, which feed the electrical grid that powers the stadium. 
Using a $2 million grant from the State Energy Conservation Office, UNT installs
the wind turbines, making Apogee Stadium the first collegiate stadium designed to
incorporate onsite [renewable wind energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/03/wind-energy-a-renewable-source-of-energy/).

#### AIA LEED AP

![Apogee stadium](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/
IMG_1365.jpg?resize=300%2C180&quality=52&ssl=1)

![LEED building apogee](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2023/04/IMG_1367.jpg?resize=300%2C180&quality=52&ssl=1)

### Sustainable Design Highlights: Apogee UNT Stadium

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 and secured bicycle storage are available. Preferred parking spaces
    for carpooling support alternative transportation to the stadium. Paved walkways
    and bike paths enhance the park-like environment. They connect to the main campus.
    This encourages fans to walk or bike to stadium events.

#### Reducing Water and Energy Consumption

 1. The three wind turbines will provide around half a million kilowatt hours each 
    year for the UNT Eagle Point power grid. They will eliminate 323 metric tons of
    CO2 annually. A internet-based monitoring system. It will track energy production,
    carbon reduction statistics, and scientific data. UNT will use this information
    for education and research.
 2. The LEED stadium design uses green heating. Also the HVAC, air quality for heating
    and cooling plus the 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. The stadium’s contractor recycled seventy-five percent of construction waste materials.
    This achievement demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability. It shows environmental
    responsibility. The contractor prevented materials from being dumped in a landfill.
    This definitely cuts the ecological footprint of the construction project.
 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, thereby enhancing
    the sustainability and environmental performance of the construction practices 
    employed while also contributing to the reduction of waste by utilizing byproducts
    from other industrial processes.

#### Improving Indoor Environmental Quality

 1. Low volatile organic compound emitting materials such as adhesives, sealants, paints,
    coatings, and also flooring. These carefully selected materials were specifically
    chosen and utilized to improve the indoor air quality for the building occupants.
    In this way, the intention is to ensure a healthier living environment that is 
    completely free from harmful pollutants, which can significantly contribute to 
    various health issues over time and may lead to serious consequences if not addressed
    properly.
 2. Ninety percent of regularly occupied indoor spaces provides occupants with natural
    daylight and also views to the outdoors, enhancing the overall well-being and productivity
    of individuals within these environments.
 3. UNT implemented comprehensive green policies and procedures for the efficient management
    of stadium operations and maintenance, ensuring sustainability and environmental
    responsibility in all aspects, while actively engaging with the community to foster
    awareness about eco-friendly practices and encouraging the adoption of such values
    in everyday life.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, UNT’s Apogee Stadium shines as a model of sustainable design and 
environmental responsibility. The stadium has LEED Platinum certification. This 
proves UNT’s commitment to a sustainable future. Apogee Stadium features innovative
elements. It includes a rainwater harvesting system, solar panels, and efficient
lighting. These aspects set a benchmark for other collegiate stadiums. By prioritizing
sustainability, UNT reduces its environmental impact. It also shows dedication to
the health and well-being of its students and community. As we look to the future,
UNT and Apogee Stadium will lead in sustainable design. They will inspire others
to follow.

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

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