The first newly constructed football stadium has received the highest green building rating – LEED-Platinum – from the US Green Building Council.
The 31,000 seat Apogee football stadium at the University of North Texas will host university events, as well providing a venue for outdoor concerts, community events, high school games and band competitions for the region.
The $79 million stadium’s high performance, energy efficient design will use 25% less energy than a conventional stadium and 52% less water in this drought-stricken state. It’s built on a former golf course.
When three wind turbines start operating in December, it will be the first collegiate stadium to produce onsite renewable energy, generating 6-8% of the electricity for Mean Green Village (which includes other athletic facilities).
Notably, over 50% of the stadium site is preserved or restored with landscaping that is native to the North Texas climate. Combined with permeable pavers, the site will reduce runoff (if it ever rains!) and minimize the heat island effect.
20% of the materials used to build the are made with recycled content and 47% are manufactured locally. Higher percentages of fly ash replace cement to reduce carbon emissions during manufacture.
As has become fairly standard these days, low emitting materials were used for adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings and flooring.
The University of North Texas is committed to LEED certification for all new buildings, and was the first large public university in Texas to sign on to the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment in 2008. There currently are three LEED-Gold certified buildings on campus, with two more awaiting certification.
HKS Sports & Entertainment Group designed the project, which was built by Manhattan Construction Company.
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