Apogee Stadium: US’ First LEED Platinum Stadium Uses Wind Turbines to Power its Games

The recently completed <a href="http://stadium.meangreensports.com/HomePage.dbml?&amp;DB_OEM_ID=1810&amp;KEY=&amp;DB_OEM_ID=1810&amp;DB_LANG=&amp;IN_SUBSCRIBER_CONTENT=" target="_blank">Apogee Stadium</a> at the <a href="http://www.unt.edu/" target="_blank">University of North Texas</a> is one of the first collegiate venues to generate on-site <a href="http://inhabitat.com/category/energy/">renewable energy</a> with a set of wind turbines. Three utility-scale wind turbines provide 1/3 of the stadium's annual energy consumption, which coupled with the stadium's energy-efficient design equates to a huge win for the university. Designed by <a href="http://hksinc.com/" target="_blank">HKS Inc</a>, the 31,000 seat Apogee Stadium takes inspiration from the school's mascot - the eagle, and includes a winged exposed steel structure along with plenty of carbon reducing strategies. Read on for a closer look at this landmark project, and to hear from a couple of <a href="http://hksinc.com/#/education/leadership/" target="_blank">HKS architects</a> about the design of the stadium and how a state grant made it all possible.

Located in Denton, Texas, Apogee Stadium is the US's first LEED Platinum collegiate football stadium and the first one to be powered with wind turbines.

UNT was awarded a $2 million grant by the <a href="http://seco.cpa.state.tx.us/" target="_blank">State Energy Conservation Office</a> for the installation of three wind turbines, which generate power for the new stadium and other buildings on the campus.

The turbines offset energy use during events and games, and when empty they generate power for the Mean Green Village, an area of campus surrounding the stadium.

Other sustainable strategies like real-time monitoring systems, energy-efficient mechanical systems, and lighting systems also help reduce carbon emissions.

The stadium also boasts a natural park-like landscape, permeable paving, habitat and landscape restoration, and drought-tolerant native landscaping.

Eco-friendly building materials, like fly ash and low-VOC materials, are coupled with a high level of recycled construction materials.

When the stadium is not being used for university games, it is often used by the surrounding community for outdoor concerts, community events and high football school games.

The view from the top of the bleachers.

The ticket office for the stadium is located underneath yet another soaring wing.

Landscaping surrounding the stadium was designed for drought-tolerant and native plants as a way to regenerate the area.

When the stadium is not being used for university games, it is often used by the surrounding community for outdoor concerts, community events and high football school games.

Cross-section of the stadium.

Main concourse diagram.