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| A recent aerial photograph of Southwest University Park, released by ZTEX Construction, shows newly placed sod on the field. (ZTEX Construction) |
The LEED designation—LEED stands for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design—is described by the Council as “a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices.”
The factors cited by the City as contributing to the ballpark’s environmental friendliness include its proximity to the Brio Rapid Transit System; use of existing parking infrastructure; adding bicycle parking; reducing stormwater runoff; recycling demolition and construction waste; and use of recycled and regionally-sourced construction materials.
As a City policy, all city-owned buildings of over 5,000 square feet in size are required to pursue at least LEED-Silver Certification, according to the City of El Paso website.
Opening day is just three weeks away for the 7,500-seat stadium that will be home to the El Paso Chihuahuas Triple-A baseball team. A decision on the LEED certification is expected in 2015.