A unique landscaped storm water runoff system across the street from the McNamara Alumni Center is one of the features that will make TCF Bank Stadium one of the few green sports arenas in the nation.

To receive LEED certification, the stadium must meet rigorous standards developed by the U.S. Green Building Council for design, construction, energy efficiency, water usage, and waste reduction. Though most of the stadium’s sustainable features will be invisible to fans, they will have a big impact on the environment and the budget in a fairly short time, says Swanson. “There’s a slight premium to build to these standards, but the cost is usually made up within three to five years in operating cost savings resulting from improved water, heating, cooling, and power efficiency.”

Built on a formerly polluted site that the U cleaned up prior to construction—soil was incinerated to remove creosote and then hauled to a licensed landfill—the stadium grounds will be landscaped in a style that fits with the surrounding campus. What makes the landscape earth-friendly is a storm water system designed to dramatically reduce the amount of runoff going into the Mississippi River.

In heavy rain, water will follow the course of gentle slopes known as “bioswales,” which slow down and help filter the water before it flows into two 42-inch pipes that run under University Avenue to a retention pond located across the street from McNamara Alumni Center. “It’s not your typical pond because it will be dry most of the time,” Swanson explains. “But if it rains more than an inch, it will hold the water and slowly let it out into an 18-inch pipe that drains to the Mississippi River.” Landscaped with trees and shrubs, the pond’s walls are gabion baskets, which are stacked stones wrapped in a wire enclosure. A similar design was used in retaining walls around the new Interstate-35W bridge.

The stadium itself is being made from as many local materials as possible, reducing the amount of fuel and pollution involved in transporting them from elsewhere. The frame is made of 90 percent recycled steel and the roof, which covers the suites, loge boxes, and indoor clubrooms, is reflective to help reduce the heat that the building absorbs. Heat will come from the U’s steam plant, which burns oat hulls and biomass such as plant matter and other biodegradable waste. Cooling will be provided from the existing chilled water plant in Mariucci Arena.

In addition to choosing low-flow plumbing fixtures, which reduce water usage, the U opted for materials that improve indoor air quality wherever possible. This meant paying a little more for items such as sealants, glues, paints, and carpeting that are free from volatile organic compounds, gases that emit a variety of chemicals that may contribute to health problems.

“The University is working hard to incorporate cost-effective sustainability practices on each campus and throughout the organization,” says Swanson. “We believe it’s the right thing to do.”

—Meleah Maynard (B.A. ’91)

To see the latest time-lapse video of TCF Bank Stadium construction, visit our video page.