Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta will be the NFL’s first LEED Platinum stadium
By David Malone, Associate Editor
New sports stadiums and arenas are quickly becoming beacons of new technology, modern design, and sustainability. Take Mercedes-Benz stadium, for example. The future home of the Atlanta Falcons has an arresting design, an ultra-modern appearance, and is looking to become the NFL’s first LEED Platinum v4 stadium and one of the first LEED Platinum professional sports stadiums in the country, regardless of sport.
According to inhabitat.com, water conservation and management is a core focus of the stadium’s design. The facility will capture rainwater for reuse in the cooling tower and in irrigation of the landscape and trees, will feature waterless urinals, and will slowly release captured stormwater runoff. Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be 42% more water efficient than the Georgia Dome, the Falcons old facility.
To reduce energy usage, the stadium will use solar panels, LED lighting, energy monitoring equipment, and energy-efficient glazing that allows plenty of natural light into the structure, reducing artificial lighting requirements. Additionally, the stadium has a retractable roof for more natural light and ventilation. Mercedes-Benz Stadium will save more than 40% in energy usage compared to typical stadium designs
The facility, which has been designed by HOK, is expected to be completed by summer 2017 and ready in time for the Falcons 2017 season home opener.
