In 2010, the U.S. Green Building Council awarded Target Field LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Silver Certification for New Construction, making it the second Major League ballpark in the United States to achieve that status. Less than 2 years after earning LEED Silver certification for New Construction, the Minnesota Twins became the first professional sports franchise to also attain LEED Silver Certification for the Operation and Maintenance of their facility.
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.
Through a custom-designed Rain Water Recycle System provided by Minneapolis-based Pentair, the Minnesota Twins have captured, purified and reused more than 1,846,322 total gallons of rainwater, drastically reducing the use of municipal water at Target Field in 2011 and 2012. The majority of the recycled rainwater was used to wash down the seating bowl attached to the main concourse.
If the infield at Target Field was a six-foot-deep swimming pool, we could fill it four times with the water saved just in 2012.
Through aggressive recycling and waste-to-energy programs, the Twins have kept more than 2,559 tons of waste out of local landfills in 2011 and 2012.
In 2013, the Twins will seek help from fans in increasing the amount of recycled organic materials, further reducing the amount of waste produced at Target Field.
The Minnesota Twins and concession partner Delaware North Companies Sportservice donated more than six tons of food to local charities during the 2012 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. In 2011, the Twins donated more than 7,500 pounds of food through this program. Throughout the 2-year partnership, the Twins have donated:
To date, not only have these efforts helped feed hungry people at local charities, they have kept TEN TONS of waste out of local landfills. The Twins will continue this program in 2013.
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.
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.
