Last month, the facilities also announced that they had been awarded LEED Platinum Certification. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance.
Xcel Energy Center is the first and only NHL building in the United States to be certified LEED Platinum for Building Operations and Maintenance, and Saint Paul RiverCentre is now one of only three convention centers in the United States to possess this same certification.
"Xcel Energy Center and Saint Paul RiverCentre have tried to approach sustainability in a way that is becomes a part of our culture," said Jim Ibister, the Saint Paul RiverCentre General Manager and Wild VP of Facility Administration. "Many small things throughout the organization all add up to big results."
To build on that commitment to sustainability, the Wild also announced that they have joined the United Nations Sports for Climate Action - an initiative aimed at supporting and guiding sports organizations and their stakeholders in achieving global climate change goals.
"We hope to work on developing a roadmap that will not only help us to continue to lead locally but also broad our foot print to the entire State of Hockey and beyond," Ibister said.
As part of the anniversary celebration, Xcel Energy Center and the RiverCentre hosted a Sustainability Day of Service on Thursday, where employees focused on supporting the sustainability of the local community through storm drain adoption, urban farming and river clean up.
The Wild will host a 'Green Night' on Monday, March 23, that will coincide with NHL Green™ - the League's month-long annual sustainability initiative - and will feature sustainability themes during in-game elements, arena displays and fan contests.
"Over the past 10 years our sustainability program has grown to become part of our culture," Ibister said. "I am incredibly proud of our organization's continued commitment to sustainability and dedication to have a lasting impact on the communities we serve."
