Atlanta, GA – November 15, 2017 – In a groundbreaking achievement for sustainable stadium design, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has been awarded LEED Platinum certification, marking it as the first professional sports stadium globally to reach this pinnacle of green building recognition. The prestigious certification, granted by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) through its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, underscores the stadium’s commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative sustainability practices. Home to the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL and Atlanta United of MLS, this world-class venue has not only set a new standard for fan experience but also for environmentally responsible sports facilities, earning a record-breaking 88 LEED points – the highest score ever achieved by a sports venue worldwide.
Opened in August 2017, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has quickly become iconic for its striking architecture and state-of-the-art features. However, beyond its aesthetic appeal, the 2 million square foot stadium’s design incorporates pioneering sustainability solutions. From water and energy conservation to advanced lighting systems and community-focused programs, sustainability has been a core principle driving the stadium’s development since its inception.
Arthur Blank, Owner and Chairman of both the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, expressed his vision behind this ambitious project: “We set out to create a venue that would not only surpass expectations but also redefine the boundaries of stadium design, fan engagement, and sustainability.” He continued, “Achieving the highest LEED rating was a deliberate choice, reflecting our responsibility to our city and the environment. This accomplishment provides us with a powerful platform to demonstrate to the industry and our fans that sustainable and responsible building practices are achievable for venues of any type, scale, and purpose.”
Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s journey to becoming the 1st Mercedes Benz LEED Platinum certified stadium is marked by a series of significant sustainability accomplishments:
- Global First: It stands as the first professional sports stadium in the world to earn LEED Platinum Certification, a testament to its groundbreaking sustainable design.
- Record LEED Score: Achieving an unprecedented 88 points, Mercedes-Benz Stadium holds the highest LEED score ever recorded for a sports venue, showcasing its comprehensive approach to sustainability.
- Water Conservation Leader: The stadium is the first sports venue to secure full water category credits under LEED, primarily due to its cutting-edge storm water management system.
- Significant Water Reduction: Through water-efficient fixtures and advanced conservation infrastructure, Mercedes-Benz Stadium reduces water usage by 47 percent compared to the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct 1992) baseline standards.
- Renewable Energy Integration: Powered by 4,000 solar PV panels, the stadium can generate enough renewable energy to power nine Atlanta Falcons NFL games or 13 Atlanta United MLS matches annually, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
Alt text: Mercedes-Benz Stadium LEED Platinum certification plaque presentation, highlighting the stadium’s commitment to sustainability and environmental excellence.
- Energy-Efficient LED Lighting: The stadium utilizes LED lighting throughout, which lasts ten times longer than traditional lights and reduces energy consumption by up to 60 percent, contributing to substantial energy savings.
- Community Partnerships for Water Reuse: Collaborating with local organizations like Trees Atlanta, the stadium shares captured rainwater for tree irrigation, extending its sustainability impact beyond its walls.
- Promoting Sustainable Transportation: Mercedes-Benz Stadium encourages alternative transportation through a bike valet program on event days, EV charging stations for 48 electric vehicles, and enhanced pedestrian walkways connecting communities.
- Public Transportation Leadership: Leading the NFL in public transportation usage among fans attending Falcons games, the stadium benefits from convenient access to three MARTA rail lines within 0.7 miles, minimizing traffic congestion and emissions.
- Local Food and Community Engagement: Embracing innovative local food production, the stadium incorporates edible landscaping, is developing an urban garden, and partners with local organizations to provide culinary arts training and job placement for Westside residents.
- Home Depot Backyard: Adjacent to the stadium, the 13-acre Home Depot Backyard is being developed as a green space for game-day parking and tailgating, as well as arts, cultural events, and community building on non-event days, maximizing community benefit.
Alt text: Exterior view of Mercedes-Benz Stadium showcasing its architectural design against the Atlanta city skyline, emphasizing its modern and iconic presence.
The vision for a sustainable Mercedes-Benz Stadium originated from Arthur Blank’s long-standing commitment to environmentally and socially responsible building practices in Atlanta. His leadership in sustainability dates back to 2004 when he developed the first LEED Gold building in Georgia – the Arthur M. Blank Family Office. Key partners played a crucial role in realizing the vision for the most sustainable sports stadium, including lead architect HOK, solar provider and official sustainability partner Georgia Power, and sustainability consultant Ecoworks Studio.
Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of USGBC and Green Business Certification, Inc. (GBCI), praised Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s achievement: “By achieving LEED Platinum, Mercedes Benz Stadium demonstrates to fans and the wider Atlanta community the unwavering commitment of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United leadership to creating a healthier and more sustainable environment.” He added, “We commend Mr. Blank and his team for setting a new benchmark in the industry, enhancing the fan experience, and contributing to the transformation of the built environment.”
The stadium’s integration of LED lighting and highly efficient water and energy management systems is projected to yield substantial operational cost savings throughout its lifespan. Hosting over 50 major events annually, along with daily public and private tours, Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s sustainable design contributes to both environmental responsibility and long-term economic efficiency.
A formal ceremony to celebrate this milestone is scheduled for Sunday, November 26th. Mahesh Ramanujam will present Arthur Blank and the project team with the official LEED Platinum plaque on the field during pre-game festivities before the Falcons NFC division game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, marking a significant moment for sustainable sports and stadium design.
