The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) designation is an internationally recognized mark of excellence in sustainability efforts. LEED certification provides verification that a building, home or community was built using strategies aimed at achieving high performance in key areas of human and environmental health including: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. The historic side of JELD-WEN Field is Certified LEED Silver.
Currently, JELD-WEN Field has a waste diversion rate of 20%. “We are working to improve that percentage by increasing recycling, composting, and other waste reducing habits in and around the stadium,” said Ken Puckett, Sr. VP of Operations. Composting occurs in the kitchen and soon the Timbers will distribute new combination trash and recycling bins in and around JELD-WEN Field.
In another effort to reduce their carbon footprint, the Portland Timbers are working with TriMet to encourage fans and the surrounding community to use public transportation. TriMet offers increased services before and after Timbers games and TriMet passes are available to select ticket holders. For additional alternative transportation, bicycle racks can be found outside the stadium for safe bike parking. An average of 350 people per match bike to JELD-WEN Field for Timbers games, which is one of the higher rates in the league.
This year the Timbers partnered with the Green Sports Alliance as a partner in an effort to reduce their environmental footprint. The Green Sports Alliance is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help sports teams, venues, and leagues enhance their environmental performance. Alliance members represent 13 sports leagues and over 90 sports venues and teams – a collaboration that is unprecedented.
"We are very excited to welcome the Portland Timbers into the Green Sports Alliance and look forward to supporting their environmental initiatives and engaging their loyal fans," said Alliance Executive Director Martin Tull.
"We need the inspiring passion of the Timbers Army to make meaningful progress on the environmental challenges we face and, working closely with the Timbers' leadership, we hope to make a real difference at JELD-WEN Field."
The Timbers recognize that LEED Certification and green building efforts are one of many ways to continue the journey towards a more sustainable environment and are committed to increasing sustainability efforts across all aspects of the company alongside our community outreach platform, Stand Together. Stand Together represents the relationship between the Portland Timbers and their fans and signifies the strong commitment we have to supporting and standing by our community both on and off the field. The Portland Timbers Stand Together mission is to harness the power of sport to improve the lives of children and families in our region through targeted programs, deep partnerships, and philanthropic giving.
