LEED CERTIFICATION AT TARGET FIELD:

 

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is the nation’s most widely recognized and accepted green building rating system. Target Field’s new certification – LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance (EB: O&M) – helps building owners measure operations, improvements and maintenance on a consistent scale, with the goal of maximizing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts.

 

“The Minnesota Twins organization believes our future success-both on and off the field-is built on a business model that embraces operational efficiency, environmental stewardship and social responsibility,” said Dave St. Peter, Twins President. “We’re proud to have earned LEED certification for the operation of our facility and will continue to seek ways to improve the sustainability of Target Field.”

 

LEED provides independent, third-party verification of performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. Working with sustainability consultant Paydirt, the Twins implemented a number of environmentally responsible policies and practices to achieve LEED. Among the Twins many sustainable programs are:

 

Capturing and Reusing Rainwater

 

Through a custom-designed Rain Water Recycle System provided by Minneapolis-based Pentair, the Minnesota Twins captured, purified and reused more than 686,360 gallons of rainwater, drastically reducing the use of municipal water at Target Field in 2011. The majority of the recycled rainwater was used to wash down the seating bowl attached to the main concourse. Going forward, the Twins will continue to refine the purification system and hope to use the recycled water to water and maintain the playing field.

 

Recycling and Converting Waste to Energy

 

Through an aggressive recycling and waste-to-energy program, the Twins kept more than 1,762 cubic yards of waste out of local landfills.

 

741.3 tons of trash were sent to the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center, a waste-to-energy facility adjacent to Target Field. Some of the recovered energy was then used at Target Field to heat portions of the service level and provide hot water in the facility.

430.67 tons of waste were recycled from Target Field

152.41 tons of organic materials were composted and diverted from landfills

 

Reducing Consumption of Electricity

 

In 2011, the Twins reduced their use of electricity by 12.1 percent, despite adding a new video board in right field and additional radiant heating units in the concourses. Target Field is 23 percent more energy efficient than other buildings in its ENERGY STAR category. In 2012, the Twins will continue to seek ways to responsibly use energy while reducing overall consumption.

 

Green Cleaning

 

The Minnesota Twins earned several LEED points-including an exemplary performance and innovation point-for its comprehensive Green Cleaning program. In 2011, the Twins reduced the usage of chemical cleaning compounds by 66 percent over 2010, using a total of 73 percent of cleaning compounds that met the USGBC’s LEED standards. By reducing the amount of chemicals needed to clean Target Field, the Twins’ cleaning efforts had a diminished negative impact on the environment and the health of building occupants.

 

Donating Unused Food to Local Charities

 

The Minnesota Twins and concession partner Delaware North Companies Sportservice donated more than 7,500 pounds of food to local charities during the 2011 season. Through a partnership with Rock and Wrap It Up! Inc., representatives from Joseph’s Storehouse in Brooklyn Park boxed up all prepared but untouched meals at Target Field, donating the unused food from Target Field to local charities. The 7,500 pound total includes:

 

         – more than 25,000 hot dogs and brats

         – more than 3,000 hamburgers

         – more than 1,500 chicken breasts

 

Not only did these efforts help feed hungry people at local charities, they kept 7,500 pounds of waste out of local landfills. The Twins will continue this program in 2012.

 

Target Field – the Greenest ballpark in America

 

In 2010, the USGBC awarded Target Field LEED Silver Certification for New Construction, making it the second Major League ballpark in the United States to achieve that status. Having collected 36 certification points, the most ever awarded to a ballpark, Target Field was named the “Greenest Ballpark in America.” Achieving EB: O&M certification signals the team’s continued dedication to operating in a sustainable manner now and in the future.