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EPA and New York Mets Agree on Environmental Goals for Citi Field

Release Date: 03/13/2008
Contact Information: Elias Rodriguez (212) 637-3664, [email protected] or Jay Horwitz, Vice President, media relations, New York Mets, 718-565-4330, [email protected]

(New York, N.Y.) Displaying environmental leadership and encouraged by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the builder of the New York Mets’ new ballpark, the Queens Ballpark Company, L.L.C. (QBC), will build and operate the major league baseball team’s new stadium using some of the latest green technologies and practices. Today, EPA Regional Administrator Alan J. Steinberg, Mets Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wilpon, New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and other dignitaries announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which spells out design, construction and operational principles ensuring that Citi Field meets high environmental standards and reduces its carbon footprint.

During its construction and operation the builders will use at least 2 million pounds of recycled coal combustion products instead of newly manufactured portland cement. This commitment alone saves over 800 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) and is equivalent to taking 1000 cars off the road for 2 months, saves enough energy for 1000 homes for 19 days and saves landfill space for the solid waste from 2000 people for 135 days.

“The Mets organization deserves an environmental MVP award for their efforts to reduce the carbon footprint and the waste stream from the construction and operation of Citi Field," said Alan J. Steinberg, Regional Administrator. "The Mets are also providing a great example for other sports and entertainment organizations, and we hope they will step up to meet that challenge. This important agreement underscores innovation and a comprehensive commitment towards sustainable development. From its use of recycled materials and energy efficient lighting to its commitment to joining the Energy Star and Waste Wise partnership programs, Citi Field is looking greener everyday.”

“We are so pleased to see corporate citizens like the Mets step up and contribute to the goals of PlaNYC – our bold, far-reaching strategy for making New York a greener, greater city,” said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. “It probably would have been easier to build a new ballpark without incorporating ‘green’ technology, but the Mets understand that their responsibility to New Yorkers doesn’t end with the third out in the bottom of the ninth. They’ve taken the initiative to be bold, innovative, and environmentally responsible.”

“The Mets have always been Orange and Blue and today they’re Green too,” said Christine C. Quinn, New York City Council Speaker. “I want to congratulate the Mets on their corporate leadership in setting high environmental standards at the new Citi Field.”

“The New York Mets and the EPA have worked together for the good of all New Yorkers and the good of the environment,” said Helen Marshall, Queens Borough President. “This combined effort by the private and public sector to protect and nurture our environment for the future by using technology available today deserves our gratitude and praise. The Mets continue to be Amazin’.”

“In developing and constructing Citi Field, we set out to create a world-class environment that would be fan friendly and environmentally friendly,” said Jeff Wilpon, COO, New York Mets. “We thank Alan and his colleagues at the EPA for their interest and willingness to work with us and their invaluable guidance in the greening effort for our new home.”

Citi Field Environmental Highlights:

Recycled Steel Approximately 95% of the 12,500 tons of structural steel used to construct Citi Field is recycled. Using recycled steel not only saves money, but also dramatically reduces energy consumption, compared to making steel from virgin materials.

Green Roof The partners are considering utilizing a “green roof” for the administration building roof, which would decrease the energy needs of the building by insulating the roof from cold air in the winter and hot air in the summer as well as decrease stormwater runoff by as much as 80%.

Swales and Permeable/Porous Pavement The Mets will have approximately 65,000 square feet of porous pavers laid and an approximate 3,500 square foot drainage bed designed for the commuter bus parking lot, across from Citi Field, to control the flow of storm water runoff. QBC plans to have large areas (approximately 25,000 square feet) on the grounds left unpaved and planted to further control stormwater. The use of permeable pavers and a drainage bed will allow rain water to flow through the surface and recharge the groundwater instead of the water running off the surface.

Using Coal Combustion Products In selected areas, the Mets will use ash and other materials left over after a power plant burns coal to make the concrete used at Citi Field, saving CO2 emissions, landfill space, and energy. At least 2 million pounds of recycled coal combustion products are expected to be used as Ctii Field takes shape Using these by-products safely preserves our natural resources and promotes environmental sustainability.

Energy Conservation The Mets will equip Citi Field with a system to monitor and automatically control temperatures and equipment start/stop times. It will be integrated with a “lighting control system” to automatically turn on/off all light fixtures, TV’s, ad panels, as well as other equipment. The Mets will also install energy efficient air handlers, pumps, and chillers that vary the speed of the operating fans depending on what is actually needed to save energy as well as state-of-the-art energy efficient lighting on the field? to reduce energy consumption by as much as 50%.

Water Conservation The Mets will use metered hands-free faucets, toilet flush-o-meters, and waterless urinals, which will conserve millions of gallons of water a year.

WasteWise Once Citi Field is fully operational, the Mets aim to join EPA’s WasteWise program and has committed to auditing its garbage generation and establish recycling goals. This partnership program helps organizations eliminate costly municipal solid waste and select industrial wastes, benefiting their bottom line and the environment.

Energy Star The Mets are also joining the nationally-renowned Energy Star program – a joint venture of EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy that encourages environmental protection and money savings through energy efficient products and practices. As an Energy Star member, the Mets will reduce energy needs by using Energy Star products, where appropriate, and assist in educating employees and the public on how to reduce energy consumption.

Low Sulfur Diesel The Mets intend to have low-sulfur and ultra low sulfur diesel used in construction vehicles building Citi Field to reduce air emissions such as CO2 and particulates. Reducing emissions from diesel engines is top EPA priority and key to improving air quality in the New York area.

To learn more about EPA partnerships and programs, visit: https://www.epa.gov/region2

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