Teams 
Less than 2 years after being named the Greenest Ballpark in America and earning LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Silver certification for New Construction, the Minnesota Twins and Target Field are now the first professional sports franchise to also attain LEED Silver Certification for the operation and maintenance of their facility.
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is the nations most widely recognized and accepted green building rating system. Target Fields 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.
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.
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 USGBCs 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:
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.
Breaking Bats, Planting Trees
The Minnesota Twins and Minnesota State Parks and Trails formed a partnership to promote outdoor recreation and continue the Twins commitment to environmental responsibility. Every time a Minnesota Twins pitcher broke the bat of an opposing player during the 2011 season, Minnesota State Parks and Trails planted 100 trees in one of the 73 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas on or along one of the 21 Minnesota state trails.
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 teams continued dedication to operating in a sustainable manner now and in the future.
Twins Sustainability Statement
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. We honor the power of sport by leading through example, and we will continue to use sport to inspire, build the best fan experience and cause no unnecessary harm, working with our fans, community, suppliers, partners and employees to have a positive influence in the world.
