DC is home to first “green” stadium in U.S.
Overdue.
The Washington Nationals’ gleaming new baseball park that opens tonight is the first green professional stadium in the United States.
The Nats’ stadium received a LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, certification from the council for its energy-conserving and environmental design.
To earn the certification, the ballpark was outfitted with energy-saving light fixtures, water-conserving plumbing, drought-resistant plants, and a green roof over the concessions area.
It was also erected on a restored brownfield that once had contaminated soil, and it has special systems in place to keep stormwater runoff from polluting the nearby Anacostia River.
“One of the things that really strikes me about stadium facilities is that they directly touch millions of people over the course of their existence,” the council’s Brendan Owens said.
In preparation for Sunday’s inaugural game against the Atlanta Braves, construction workers bustled past photographers and camera crews on Friday to add touches of blue paint to seating and decor to the restaurant overlooking center field.
Construction cranes swept through the skies at building sites nearby — signs of the development the stadium has inspired in the surrounding area.
Now, can they bat the size of their hat all season long? They beat the Orioles 3 - 0, last night.
Posted: Sun - March 30, 2008 at 08:39 AM