Hard Rock Stadium announced today it has received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold v4.1 O+M certification for the overall sustainability of both Hard Rock Stadium and the Miami International Autodrome Paddock Club building. South Florida Motorsports (SFM) was also awarded the prestigious FIA Three-Star Environmental Accreditation rating, which is the highest rating achievable for demonstrating best practice in environmental management.
The LEED v4.1 O+M Certification is a green building certification program led by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) that rates buildings for their operational performance. This certification provides a framework for building owners and operators to be environmentally responsible and use resources efficiently.
Hard Rock Stadium is now one of six NFL stadiums which has received Gold or higher certification for operations of the facility. It is the only Formula 1 venue in the United States to receive the FIA Three-Star Environmental Accreditation rating.
“We are proud to be LEED certified Gold for both Hard Rock Stadium and the Formula 1 Paddock Club building. To transform a 37-year-old stadium into an energy-efficient building is an incredible feat thanks to the collaborative efforts across many departments and individuals who have set out to ensure that we continue to be environmentally-responsible stewards of this community asset,” said President and CEO of Hard Rock Stadium and Managing Partner of the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, Tom Garfinkel. “Under the vision and leadership of Stephen Ross, Hard Rock Stadium has become not only one of the premier sports and entertainment venues in the world, but also one that prioritizes sustainability and community impact. We are proud of this recognition and will continue these efforts to lead the way in sustainability while bringing world-class events to Miami Gardens for years to come.”
These certifications, supported by the guidance of 3R Sustainability, a certified B Corporation and woman-owned consulting firm, come after years of dedicated sustainability efforts that span across the organization. In late 2019, the organization committed to phase out 99.4 percent of fan-facing single-use plastics in the food and beverage operation, which eliminated a total of 2.8 million units of plastic annually. Hard Rock Stadium was the second venue in the United States to make the wholesale move away from plastic cups and the first within professional sports.
A member of the Green Sports Alliance, Hard Rock Stadium also diverts waste from landfill through innovative sustainability efforts that includes bio digesters – composting through liquid food digesters – and recovering kitchen oil into biofuel, creating renewable energy.
As part of their sustainability strategy to reduce carbon, SFM has introduced a number of environmental initiatives across their Formula 1 operations, which includes eliminating single-use plastic, reducing waste, auditing energy consumption and tracking progress to continually improve around the Miami International Autodrome campus. In the three years of hosting the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, SFM has taken steps to reduce the carbon emissions associated with fan travel by offering various transportation options such as park and rides, walk and rides and ride share partnerships.
The FIA Environmental Accreditation Programme is aimed at helping motor sport and mobility stakeholders worldwide to measure and enhance their environmental performance and recognizes their sustainable efforts, including the engagement with the local area, and Hard Rock Stadium and SFM have worked closely with the residents, schools and community restaurants to support and offer placements on campus during the race weekend each year.
Following the recent sustainability honors, Hard Rock Stadium will host the final of CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 on July 14 followed by a full slate of Miami Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes football games in the fall.
Hard Rock Stadium is a global entertainment destination and cultural curator of world-class events. The best-in-class venue is a home to the Miami Dolphins, University of Miami football team, Orange Bowl, Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, Miami Open presented by Itaú, major concerts, championship boxing, CONMEBOL Copa America 2024™ and FIFA World Cup 2026™. For more information, visit hardrockstadium.com.
Image Credit: Hard Rock Stadium