Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, has officially achieved LEED Platinum certification, setting a new global benchmark for sustainable sports venues. Awarded on November 15, 2017, this prestigious recognition from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) marks the stadium as the first professional sports stadium in the world to reach this highest level of environmental performance. Garnering a record-breaking 88 points, Mercedes-Benz Stadium surpassed all other sports facilities worldwide in LEED scoring, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and innovative design.
From its inauguration in August 2017, the stadium has been celebrated for its striking architecture and state-of-the-art amenities. However, its dedication to sustainability has been integral to its identity from the outset. The two-million square foot venue integrates cutting-edge solutions for water management, energy efficiency, and lighting, alongside community-focused initiatives and responsible stewardship. These elements collectively contribute to a groundbreaking narrative in sustainable stadium design.
Arthur Blank, Owner and Chairman of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, emphasized the vision behind this achievement: “Our ambition was to construct a venue that would not only exceed expectations in design and fan experience but also redefine the boundaries of stadium sustainability.” He further stated, “Pursuing the highest LEED rating was a conscious decision for our city and the environment. This accomplishment provides a powerful platform to demonstrate to the industry and our fans that sustainable and responsible building practices are achievable for any venue, regardless of size or scope.”
Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s journey to LEED Platinum is highlighted by several key sustainability milestones:
- Global First in LEED Platinum: It stands as the first professional sports stadium worldwide to secure LEED Platinum certification.
- Record LEED Score: Achieving an unprecedented 88 points, it holds the highest LEED score ever awarded to a sports venue.
- Water Management Leadership: The stadium is the first sports venue to earn full credits in the water category, largely due to its advanced stormwater management system.
- Significant Water Conservation: Through water-efficient fixtures and infrastructure, the stadium reduces water consumption by 47 percent compared to the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct 1992) baseline standards.
- Renewable Energy Capacity: Powered by 4,000 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, the stadium can generate enough renewable energy to power nine Atlanta Falcons games or 13 Atlanta United matches annually.
- Energy-Efficient LED Lighting: The implementation of LED lighting extends the lifespan of lights tenfold and reduces energy usage by up to 60 percent compared to traditional lighting systems.
- Community Partnerships for Sustainability: Collaborations with local organizations like Trees Atlanta facilitate the use of captured rainwater for irrigating trees, extending the stadium’s sustainable practices into the community.
- Promoting Alternative Transportation: The stadium encourages sustainable transportation through a bike valet service on event days, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations capable of charging 48 cars simultaneously, and enhanced pedestrian pathways improving community connectivity.
- Public Transportation Leadership: Leading the NFL in public transportation usage among fans attending Falcons games, facilitated by convenient access to three MARTA rail lines within 0.7 miles.
- Local Food and Community Development: Innovative features include edible landscaping, an urban garden project, and partnerships with local organizations to provide culinary arts training and job placement for Westside residents.
- Home Depot Backyard: The 13-acre greenspace adjacent to the stadium is under development to offer game-day amenities and serve as a venue for arts, culture, and community events on non-event days.
Arthur Blank’s long-standing commitment to sustainable and socially responsible building practices in Atlanta was foundational to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium project. His prior achievement of building Georgia’s first LEED Gold certified building in 2004, the Arthur M. Blank Family Office, set the stage for this ambitious stadium project. Key partners such as lead architect HOK, solar provider and sustainability partner Georgia Power, and sustainability consultant Ecoworks Studio, were instrumental in realizing the vision of the most sustainable sports stadium.
Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of USGBC and Green Business Certification, Inc. (GBCI), lauded the achievement: “By achieving LEED Platinum, Mercedes Benz Stadium demonstrates to fans and the Atlanta community the deep commitment of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United leadership to a healthier, more sustainable environment.” He added, “We commend Mr. Blank and his team for elevating industry standards, enhancing fan experiences, and contributing significantly to transforming the built environment.”
The stadium’s operational efficiency, driven by LED lighting and optimized water and energy strategies, will yield substantial long-term savings. Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts over 50 major events annually, in addition to daily public and private events, making these sustainable features economically as well as environmentally beneficial.
A formal ceremony to present the LEED Platinum plaque to Arthur Blank and the project team was held on November 26, during pre-game events at a Falcons game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, officially celebrating this landmark achievement.
