Green Stadium New Home of Washington Nationals | First Green Stadium In Washington, D.C.

Batter Up! Green Stadium New Home Of Washington Nationals

April 3, 2008 2:33 pm Nadia Environment, Green Building, In the News

First “Green” Stadium in Washington, D.C.
Washington Nationals New Green Stadium
The Washington Nationals kicked off their season in their new eco-friendly baseball park this week. It is the first green professional stadium in the U.S., stated the U.S. Green Building Council.

The new stadium received certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) council last week.

How D.C. Nationals Get Green

The ballpark, built on a restored brownfield, features energy-efficient lighting fixtures, water-conserving plumbing and a green roof over the concessions. Many of the building materials were locally produced. It also has a way to keep storm water runoff from polluting the Anacostia River. The park also features air-cooled chillers for concessions instead of water-cooled which will save an estimated 6 million gallons of water every year.

Washington, D.C. spent $611 million building the stadium under the super tight construction deadline of almost two years. Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty was proud of the accomplishment, even though he had previously questioned whether using public money to fund the ballpark was a good idea.

Plans for the Washington National’s New Stadium

While LEED may have awarded the stadium certification because of its closeness to public transit, locals are complaining about the shortage of available parking in the neighborhood. Nevertheless, sports analysts and new fans alike have high expectations for the team.

The Nationals recently moved to Washington in 2005 after being promised a new Major League stadium. President George W. Bush threw out the first pitch at the inaugural game against the Atlanta Braves. During his U.S. visit in April, Pope Benedict XVI plans to hold mass at the ballpark following a White House welcome.

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