Climate Pledge Arena

As the world’s first arena to achieve a Zero Carbon certification, the Climate Pledge Arena more than lives up to its name – sending a powerful message that it’s possible to create complex, beautiful structures that are environmentally sustainable

When the renovated arena re-opened in 2021, it marked the start of a new era in sustainable venue design. We transformed our own design practice to meet The Climate Pledge, a global initiative that commits signatories to net zero carbon operation by 2040. Every detail of the project has been scrutinized to minimize its impact on the environment, setting a new standard for future arenas. The renovation has revitalized a historic landmark, originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair. The most unique aspect of this project is the preservation of the original pavilion roof, designed by renowned architect Paul Thiry. The new construction required the 44-million-pound roof to be suspended above the site while 680,000 cubic yards of soil were removed to a depth of 55 feet below grade, allowing the structure to nearly double the size of the former venue. Around 4,000 tons of steel were used to temporarily hold up the roof while 10,000 tons of steel were permanently installed to support it. The original glass curtain walls were restored, making Climate Pledge Arena the first in North America to provide 360 degrees of visibility into the interiors. Climate Pledge Arena achieved Zero Carbon Certification from the International Living Future Institute, a global nonprofit that reviews performance data to determine if a structure achieves net zero carbon emissions in its day-to-day operations and has offset emissions from its construction. The arena’s successful certification is a result of numerous sustainable practices and operations. The facility is powered solely on renewable energy, including on-site solar on the atrium roof. The design supports water conservation systems such as collecting rainwater to make the greenest ice in the NHL and zero waste initiatives like eliminating single-use plastics. Visitors can interact with a 200-foot living wall with greenery hanging overhead and an inspiring LED wall detailing the importance of constructing a zero-carbon arena. Situated in a public park within Seattle Center – an arts, education, tourism and entertainment space spanning 74 acres in uptown Seattle – Climate Pledge Arena encourages the use of public transport, bicycles and foot traffic to the venue by including free public transit with every event ticket and providing EV charging stations and bike valet services. The renovation and preservation of Climate Pledge Arena is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most significant private investments in sports history. It contributes to a critical movement to transition the built environment towards a central solution to the climate crisis, employing design strategies and ambitious targets that set a new bar for sports and live entertainment.