2007

FIRST GREEN PRO FACILITY

A plan for sustainable design: The new Nationals ballpark

The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission has authorized the new Nationals ballpark design team to move forward with prerequisite services necessary in creating an environmentally friendly ballpark. Once certified, the DC ballpark will become the first Major League ballpark to reach LEED Certification.

Various elements of the project contribute to LEED Certification efforts, including:

A sustainable site
The new Nationals Ballpark can be categorized as a brownfield redevelopment that is located near the Anacostia River. It is anticipated that the ballpark will serve as an anchor for urban revitalization of the area, including a new mixed-use entertainment zone.

- The DC Ballpark site was enrolled in the Voluntary Clean Up Program and therefore provides an opportunity to leave the roughly 25-acre site a much better environment then when it was received. Environmental remediation efforts are on-going.

- The ballpark is sited in a location that is easily accessible to public transportation including access to a nearby metro stations and local bus routes.

- Parking for fuel efficient vehicles will be provided in the garages on site.

- Parking for car pools will be provided in the garages on site.

Use of materials

- Water conserving plumbing fixtures will be used throughout the project offering substantial savings on water consumption.

- Energy conserving light fixtures including high efficiency field lighting.

- Content of building materials used on the project will contain a minimum of 10 percent recycled content, and other interior materials including adhesives, carpet glues and paints will be specified with low VOC contents.

- Many of the building materials used on the project will be produced regionally, which will cut down on transportation costs while promoting the local economy.

- Landscape plant materials specified will be drought resistant, conserving water by eliminating the need for irrigation.

- Roof materials will offer a high degree of reflectance, minimizing the amount of heat released to the environment.

An intricate ground and stormwater filtration system
Because the site is within close proximity to the Anacostia River, much care was taken to treat storm and ground water runoff. The result is a unique, intricate water filtration system that separates water used for cleaning the ballpark from rainwater falling on the ballpark and treats both sources of water before it is released to the sanitary and stormwater systems. Special care was also given to screening organic debris such as peanut shells that are unique to this building type, from the stormwater system.

To download the Nationals Ballpark fact sheet, click here.