So, where is green drive in architecture heading to? The stadiums of course! MLB may soon enough have the very first stadium that’s certified by LEED. (The status is not confirmed though.) Anyhow, the stadium is green is what seems to matter more. Washington Nationals are the proud home team on this turf. Joe Spear of HOK Sport designed Ballpark along with Devrouax + Purnell and claims that it took about $2 million more than convention to build a LEED-certified park; the earlier estimates put it at $10-12 million more. A slew of green features characterize the new stadium. There is the state-of-the-art high-efficiency field lighting – which uses 21 per cent less energy than conventional lighting, a 6,317-sq-foot green roof – which flaunts drought0resistant sedums, first-of-its-kind wastewater system – which uses sand filters and screens out organic debris like peanut shells for instance, and an in-house recycling center – with 34-cubic-yard dumpster compactors. To add to cherry on the top, (quite literally) the Nationals’ owner Mark Lerner has had cherry trees planted that bloom right at the onset of a baseball season. All this green drive has had a price, $611 million to be specific. However, the high initial costs will soon be recuperated by the lower operating costs. If not, then the $400 first row Presidential seats will surely help. Don’t worry fans, there are cheaper ones available as well!
Via: Jetsongreen