The EPA helped the owners select the most sustainable interior materials

The new Meadowlands Stadium in Rutherford, NJ has recently been completed, and is ready to host events this summer.  The quality of the building amenities is supported by the combined capital of the two professional football teams that call the Meadowlands their home.  What a perfect opportunity to create the most sustainable stadium in the NFL.  When the administrations of the NY Jets and NY Giants teamed up with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) they were destined to create the standard for sustainability of new sporting venues in the United States.  The designs achieve admirable levels of sustainability using innovative materials and techniques through onsite recycling programs and buying local products.  The venue also is designed to cut back on energy consumption up to 30% compared to the existing Meadowlands Stadium.

Sustainable Materials

Working directly with the EPA gives the designers an opportunity to confirm their products are certified by EPA recommended programs.  Many of the products used in interior finishes are made from recycled content and contain low VOCs.  Over half of the products are certified by Green Label, Greenguard, or the Forest Stewardship Council.  In order to save water the complex will include a turf multi-purpose field that saves 3.5 million gallons of water a year compared to a natural field.  It will also feature waterless urinals in male restrooms, low flow water fixtures, and high efficiency irrigation for use on native plants.  In addition to reducing existing water demands by 25%, the project will also include other energy efficient features to save on other utilities. 

Energy Efficiency

Even though the new complex is twice as large in terms of square footage, a 30% energy use reduction is expected.  The total reduction will come from several aspects of the sustainable design.  These design components have been recommended and looked over by the EPA whose research standards allow for accurate utility projections.  The mechanical units and concessions will be serviced by Energy Star compliant products that use 25-50% less energy.  Also all lighting systems inside and outside the stadium will be on automated controllers.  The stadium lighting system is 84% efficient and minimizes wasted light to the sky.  Outdoor transformers will use biodegradable fuels and reusable fluids.  The new stadium project is also participating in conjunction with the NJSEA to build and maintain alternative power systems.  The stadium will be a test site for some of the projects experimenting with wind and solar power.  Not only is the site a new standard for sustainable venues, it will continue to contribute to new innovations in the sustainable construction industry.