In the heart of Seattle the Climate Pledge Arena is the proof of what’s possible when sustainability is the main event. Opened in October 2021 it’s more than a venue it’s a commitment to fighting climate change. The arena’s name comes from Amazon’s Climate Pledge which asks businesses to get to net zero by 2040 – 10 years before the Paris Agreement.
From concerts to hockey games this world class venue where entertainment meets environmental responsibility. Let’s get into the details and green features.
Naming and History
The Climate Pledge Arena wasn’t always the futuristic building we see today. It opened in 1962 as the Seattle Center Coliseum as the main venue for the World’s Fair. Over the years it evolved and hosted countless events and became a cultural icon.
In 2017 the arena underwent a $1.15 billion redevelopment led by Oak View Group in partnership with Amazon. During that transformation it kept its roof which is a nod to Seattle’s history and added all the latest sustainable features. The naming to Climate Pledge Arena reflects its broader purpose: to inspire businesses and communities to act on climate change.
Green Features
Sustainability is at the core of Climate Pledge Arena’s design. Here are some of the highlights:
- Electric Energy: First arena in the world to be powered 100% by renewable energy, no fossil fuels.
- Local Sourcing: Materials and food sourced locally to reduce carbon footprint.
- Recycled Materials: Materials from the original building were repurposed during construction.
It achieved LEED Platinum Certification, the highest level of green building certification.
Zero-Waste Tech
The Climate Pledge Arena is a zero-waste facility aiming to send 95% of waste to the landfill. Here’s how it does it:
- Smart Bins: Waste stations guide visitors to sort trash into compost, recycling or landfill.
- No Single-Use Plastics: By 2024 the arena will eliminate all single-use plastics.
- Food Waste Management: Leftover food is composted or donated to local charities.
In 2023 the arena achieved 80% waste diversion which is an industry benchmark for waste management.
Water Conservation
Water is a valuable resource and the Climate Pledge Arena takes it seriously.
- Rainwater Harvesting: A state of the art system collects rainwater to make ice for the Seattle Kraken’s NHL games. Yes the team skates on water from Seattle’s skies!
- Low-Flow Fixtures: These fixtures reduce water usage by over 40%.
- Stormwater Management: Advanced systems prevent untreated runoff from entering local waterways and protect Seattle’s ecosystems.
This water focus shows how arenas can use a lot and still be environmentally responsible.
Renewable Energy
The arena is 100% renewable powered with solar panels and offsite wind farms.
- Solar Panels: Panels on nearby buildings power daytime operations.
- Offsite Wind Farms: Contracts with local wind energy providers for consistent clean energy.
The arena offsets approximately 21,000 metric tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to 4,500 cars on the road each year.
Embodied Carbon at Climate Pledge Arena
The Climate Pledge Arena is a global leader in embodied carbon, the carbon emissions from production, transportation and disposal of building materials. This is part of being the world’s first net-zero certified arena.
Carbon reducing materials
To reduce embodied carbon the arena used low carbon and recycled materials during construction and renovation. This included:
- Recycled Steel and Concrete: The arena salvaged and reused a large amount of structural steel and concrete from the original 1962 building. By reusing existing materials the project avoided a lot of emissions from new material production.
- Low Carbon Concrete: A specialized type of concrete with reduced cement was used. Cement production is a big source of carbon emissions and these alternatives cut emissions by a lot.
- Mass Timber: In some areas of the arena engineered wood products replaced steel or concrete, providing strength and a lower carbon footprint.
Technologies
The arena used advanced technologies to measure and reduce embodied carbon.
- Life Cycle Assessments (LCA): LCAs were done to measure the environmental impact of all materials throughout their life. This allowed designers to choose materials with the smallest carbon footprint.
- Carbon Capture: Carbon capturing additives were added during the concrete curing process to bind CO₂ within the material and reduce emissions.
- Digital Twin Modeling: Advanced digital tools allowed for modeling of environmental impact of construction materials to optimize in real time for sustainability.
Cost
Reducing embodied carbon required upfront investment but aligns with long term environmental goals. Low carbon concrete and similar sustainable materials cost 10-20% more than traditional materials. But that extra cost is offset by energy and maintenance savings over the life of the building. The total cost of these efforts was included in the $1.15 billion renovation.
Partners
The Climate Pledge Arena partnered with CarbonCure Technologies, a leader in concrete carbon reduction. They also worked with sustainability consultants and local suppliers to source eco-friendly materials.
By using these materials and technologies the arena has reduced embodied carbon emissions and set a new standard for large venues globally. This is what it means to redefine how construction can help the planet.
Bag Policy
The Climate Pledge Arena Bag Policy is designed to ensure safety, security and a smooth entry process for all guests. By setting clear guidelines we minimize disruptions and uphold our commitment to a sustainable, secure and family friendly environment. Here are the details:
Approved Bag Sizes and Types
- Clear Bags: Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”
- Small Clutches: Small clutch purses no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” are allowed even if not clear.
- Medically Necessary Bags: Medically necessary bags are allowed but must go through additional screening at designated entrances.
Prohibited Bags
The following types of bags are not allowed:
- Backpacks (including clear backpacks)
- Oversized totes
- Drawstring bags
- Diaper bags (diaper items must be carried in an approved bag size)
Bag-Free Entrances
For a quicker entry, we offer bag-free lanes for guests without bags. These lanes are for guests with only essentials.
Special Events
Some events may have specific bag policies based on the event (e.g. family shows, high-security concerts). Always check the event details on the arena’s website or your ticket information.
Sustainability
In line with our eco-friendly mission the arena encourages guests to reduce single use plastics and disposable packaging. Reusable clear bags that meet the size guidelines are recommended.
Bag Check
For guests with non-compliant bags, the Climate Pledge Arena offers bag check outside the venue. There may be a fee and it’s first come, first served.
Before You Arrive
- Pack Light: Bring only what you need to speed up the security screening process.
- Plan Ahead: Check the event details for any temporary bag policy changes.
- Digital Tickets: Keep your hands free by using mobile ticketing and ditch the printed tickets and extra stuff.
Why the Bag Policy
The bag policy is in place to ensure the safety of our guests and staff and to promote sustainability. By limiting oversized or non-clear bags, security screenings are faster and there’s less waste.
Visitor Tips
- Check the Climate Pledge Arena website for bag policy updates.
- Get here early to beat the security and bag check lines.
- Use reusable clear bags that meet the size guidelines to support our green efforts.
The Climate Pledge Arena Bag Policy is for the safety of our guests and to uphold our eco-friendly mission so every guest can be safe, efficient and green.
Community Support
In addition to the building itself, Climate Pledge Arena supports the community:
- Job Creation: 2,000 jobs created during construction and operation.
- Education: Fans learn about sustainability through digital displays and events.
- Partnerships: Local non-profits amplify environmental messaging.
By doing all of this, we’re creating a culture of sustainability beyond the walls.
A Model for Other Arenas
Climate Pledge Arena isn’t just a venue, it’s a template for the future. Its innovations will inspire other buildings around the world to show that entertainment and sustainability can coexist.
Take the UBS Arena in New York and the Chase Center in San Francisco as examples. They’re already looking into eco-friendly designs, thanks to Seattle.
Bottom Line
Climate Pledge Arena is a sea change in how we think about venues. Zero waste, renewable energy, water conservation—bold climate action isn’t just possible, it’s required.
As fans cheer for their teams and artists, they’re also supporting a bigger goal: the planet. The arena says sustainability isn’t a pledge, it’s a promise for the future.
Q&A
- What’s so special about Climate Pledge Arena?
It’s the world’s first net-zero carbon certified arena, powered by 100% renewable energy. - How does it handle waste?
95% of waste is diverted from landfills through composting, recycling and eliminating single-use plastics. - Is rainwater really used for the ice rink?
Yes! Rainwater is harvested and purified for Seattle Kraken games. - Why is it called Climate Pledge Arena?
Named after Amazon’s Climate Pledge to be net-zero by 2040. - Can I bring a bag into the arena?
Bags must meet policy: 14” x 14” x 6” or smaller and clear or reusable. - Who is the owner of Climate Pledge Arena?
The Climate Pledge Arena is owned by the City of Seattle, while the venue is operated and managed by Oak View Group (OVG) in partnership with the Seattle Kraken ownership group, led by billionaire investor David Bonderman and sports executive Tod Leiweke.
