News article
Lumen Field shines a light on zero-waste efforts
Lumen Field, the home of the National Football League’s (NFL’s) Seattle Seahawks, has become the second NFL stadium to achieve pre-certification under the TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) rating system for its efforts to become a zero-waste venue.
The venue boasts a closed-loop recycling programme which helps to divert more than 90% of stadium waste from landfill. Lumen Field introduced sorting technology in 2022, which has streamlined the ability to properly sort waste.
Since the implementation of this technology, the stadium has reduced waste sorting time following events from five days to just 36 hours. It has also helped to decrease compost contamination by 10% per event.
This is a major improvement from when the stadium first began waste tracking 2006 – back then, Lumen Field recorded a diversion rate of 4.66%.
“Lumen Field recognises that by pursuing zero waste they are helping build a sustainable future for all,” said Peter Templeton, President and CEO of U.S. Green Building Council and GBCI.
“Waste impacts all facets of business and changing the way that we use resources will deliver public health benefits, reduce our environmental impact and advance a greener economy.”
The Seahawks and Lumen Field were founding members of the Green Sports Alliance, which was established in 2010. In collaboration with the organisation, the Seahawks and Lumen Field were also a founding partner of Play, a recognition and sustainability performance toolkit.
“Waste impacts all facets of business and changing the way that we use resources will deliver public health benefits, reduce our environmental impact and advance a greener economy.”
Not only did Lumen Field achieve TRUE pre-certification in 2024, but it was also recognised as a Play to Zero Award recipient by the Green Sports Alliance.
TRUE pre-certification is an optional, incremental pathway to TRUE certification that sees organisations begin their journey towards zero waste.
“Achieving TRUE pre-certification is a vital step for us as we work towards our goal of being a 100% zero-waste venue,” said Zach Hensley, the Seahawks’ Vice President of Operations and General Manager of Lumen Field.
“We recognise the importance of minimising the environmental impact our events have on the community, and are excited about this important milestone on our sustainability journey.”
Lumen Field is also home to Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders and Seattle Reign FC of the National Women’s Soccer League.
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