The home of the newest National Hockey League team has completed its 1.2-MW solar portfolio. The three solar projects for the Seattle Kraken at the aptly named Climate Pledge Arena were recently completed by Unico Solar Investors, with assists by Excelsior Energy Capital and Monarch Private Capital.
“Climate Pledge Arena is the new gold standard for sports and entertainment venues, setting an example not only by demonstrating how adaptive reuse can work for large-scale redevelopment, but also showing how these energy-intensive buildings can be reimagined for a greener future and a healthier climate,” said Brett Phillips, vice president of Unico Solar. “We’re thrilled to be part of this project’s ambition to achieve net Zero Carbon certification and look forward to bringing solar energy to arenas across the U.S.”
CPA aims to be the first stadium in the world to be net-zero-carbon certified by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI). With space for 18,100 sports fans or concertgoers, the multipurpose Climate Pledge Arena was redeveloped just in time for the Kraken’s first home game under the historic landmark roof designed by renowned architect Paul Thiry. Solar panels have been installed on the new Alaska Airlines Atrium and the First Avenue North parking garage, in addition to the Kraken Training Center at Northgate, where the NHL’s 32nd franchise trains.
Together with off-site renewable energy, these solar panels help produce enough energy to power the arena with 100% renewable energy. As part of an overarching goal to be the most environmentally friendly sports and entertainment venue in the world, Climate Pledge Arena has also implemented water conservation measures and zero-waste goals, including eliminating single-use plastic within the arena by 2024.
“We knew that our plans to create the world’s most sustainable arena were ambitious, but we also knew that with the right priorities and the best team, we could meet the challenge,” said Rob Johnson, vice president of sustainability and transportation for the Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena. “Through our partnership with Unico Solar, we were able to create and execute a renewable energy plan that puts us one important step closer to achieving our goals.”
Climate Pledge Arena is the home of the Kraken, the four-time WNBA world champion Seattle Storm and over 80 live music and entertainment events throughout the year.
