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New Meadowlands Stadium Sets New Industry Precedent for Green Initiatives

  • MetLife Stadium
Stadium Recognized by Environmental Protection Agency as Leading Venue in Carbon, Energy, Water and Solid Waste Reduction

New Meadowlands Stadium Sets New Industry Precedent for Green Initiatives

 
East Rutherford, N.J. – July 26, 2011 – A little more than two years after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and publicly committing to a series of eco-friendly practices, the New Meadowlands Stadium today released its first assessment report, which outlines the venue’s vast success and officially sanctions the Stadium as a leader in green construction and operation.

 Most notable among the findings, due to its collective, widespread efforts, the Stadium reduced its carbon footprint by 268,828 MTCO2e (Metric Ton Carbon Dioxide Equivalent), the largest carbon footprint reduction to date. 

 The reduction of 268,828 MTCO2e is equivalent to any one of the following: 

  • Annual greenhouse gas emissions from 52,712 vehicles
  • Carbon dioxide emission from 30,137,758 gallons of gasoline
  • Carbon dioxide emission from 625,183 barrels of oil consumed
  • Carbon dioxide emission from the energy use of 22,840 homes for one year
  • Carbon dioxide emissions from 11,201,200 propane tanks used for home barbeques
  • Carbon dioxide emission from gasoline carried by 3,546 tanker trucks
  • Carbon dioxide emission from burning 1,464 railcars worth of coal (more than 22 miles long)

 “When we first signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the EPA, we set out to become one of the greenest stadiums in professional sports, and this report is the consummate indicator of our achievement,” said Mark Lamping, President and CEO of the New Meadowlands Stadium Company. “Our commitment to eco-friendly initiatives remains stronger than ever, and we are continually adding to and adapting our practices for the maximum positive effect.”

 Since 2009, New Meadowlands Stadium has provided four updates to the EPA documenting its green initiatives. The EPA analyzed the information and generated an environmental footprint for the organization. 

 The Stadium’s actions have resulted in the reduction of energy, water and solid waste production across its entire operations, including the use of aggressive recycling programs, low flow faucets, toilets and urinals in rest rooms, food composting, and mass transit alternatives.

 The original goals first established in the agreement and met throughout the Stadium’s development include:

  • Using some 40,000 tons of recycled steel to build the Stadium and recycling 20,000 tons of steel when the old Stadium was demolished;
  • Installing seating made partially from recycled plastic and scrap iron;
  • Building the stadium on a parcel of rehabilitated land, a former brownfield;
  • Reducing air pollution from construction vehicles by using cleaner diesel fuel, diesel engine filters, and shortening how long engines idle;
  • Using environmentally-friendly concrete in construction;
  • Reducing water consumption and increasing energy efficiency;
  • Providing mass transit options for fans; and,
  • Replacing traditional concession plates, cups and carriers with compostable alternatives

 The New Meadowlands Stadium, home to the New York Jets and New York Giants, sets the standard for venue excellence, with state-of-the-art technology, comfort and amenities. The only active venue to serve as the home stadium for two NFL teams, the New Meadowlands hosts 20 NFL games per season, more than any other complex. In 2010, the Stadium was selected to host Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.