Green Initiatives

July 2011 wrapped up the largest solar energy array to date in the state of Washington with the installation of 3,750 individual solar panels on the CenturyLink Field Event Center roof. The solar panels, spreading across 80% of the roof, were manufactured in the U.S. by Solyndra.

Seattle-based McKinstry managed the solar panel installation in additional to developing a comprehensive resource conservation project for CenturyLink Field and Event Center, including mechanical system upgrades, high-efficiency lighting, and ultra-low flow water fixtures to cut energy and water use throughout the facility.

Energy: The solar panels are projected to generate over 830,000 kWh of electricity annually, equal to powering 95 Seattle areas homes for a year.The combined mechanical system upgrade projects mentioned above will result in a 21% reduction in annual utility costs as well as a reduction in carbon emissions of 1,346 metric tons per year. By comparison, this is the equivalent of removing 260 cars from Seattle roadways.

Waste/Recycle: First and Goal, Inc. has been dedicated to green initiatives and sustainability projects prior to the completion of these projects, including a recycle and compost program that has gained great recognition. In 2009, CenturyLink Field and Event Center (Qwest Field and Event Center at the time) received the Recycler of the Year award from the Washington State Recycling Association.

Water: The new water fixtures will save 1,342,660 gallons of water per year.

Transport: CenturyLink Field and Ecotality recently installed 6 EV chargers on-site - 4 in the north parking lot and 2 in the parking garage. CenturyLink Field also benefits from being a hub of public transportation. Located adjacent to Union Train Station, the Light Rail Station, Underground Bus Tunnel, and all major Seattle highways, we encourage all our visitors to travel by means that have less environmental impact.

“We are committed to being good environmental stewards of this world-class facility and we hope these projects will serve as a catalyst to further support clean technology and resource conservation growth within Washington State and the Pacific Northwest.”

 –Peter McLoughlin, President of the Seahawks, Sounders FC, and FGI