By Rebecca Rodriguez, Miami Mayor’s Office
April 27, 2009

The AmericanAirlines Arena (AAA) in Miami received the coveted U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED-Certification, making it one of two existing arena in the United States to receive the honor—a reflection of USCM President Miami Mayor Manny Diaz’s constant call to “go green.”

The announcement came April 7, just in time to kick-off Miami’s first annual “Gateway to Green.” The two-day event, which took place at Jungle Island, brought together 610 participants to learn about sustainable building products and services, hear from green industry experts, and interact with leaders in environmental policy and technology.

Over 50 vendors were present at the event, offering attendants “greener” options for everything from lighting and flooring to water conservation.

“Several years ago, I called for the greening of Miami to create an environmentally-friendly city that could serve as a model for others to follow. The private industry answered the call,” said Diaz. “The Gateway to Green demonstrates our commitment to green building and to creating green jobs in Miami.”

Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO & founding chair of the USGBC, joined Diaz for the announcement at the AAA and for the Gateway to Green.

The AAA’s certification illustrates the goal for Gateway to Green- a more environmentally-friendly future. Host to countless musical performances by world famous acts and home to the 2006 NBA Champions, the Miami Heat, the AAA has blazed a trail, offering the country a real-life example of green sustainability.

“Achieving LEED certification is a great affirmation of the AmericanAirlines Arena’s commitment to energy conservation and environmentally responsible operations,” said Eric Woolworth, president of The HEAT Group’s Business Operations. “Being the first arena in the U.S. to be LEED Certified, we hope to inspire businesses of all kinds to think green and make a positive impact on our earth.”

The AAA and the Philips Arena in Atlanta received LEED certification on the same day, and were the first two arenas in the country to receive this prestigious designation by the USGBC.

The USGBC’s LEED—Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design—Building Rating System, which the AAA used as a guide, offers universal “green” guidelines for homes, healthcare, retail, neighborhoods, new construction and buildings already in existence.

The arena, which opened in 1999, worked with Waste Management and Dade Paper to ensure the greening process was accomplished. Steered by the LEED for Existing Buildings Rating System, the AAA adopted several new features, including green roofing materials, water-efficient landscaping and underground parking.

It is Diaz’s hope that others will follow in their footsteps.

“The AmericanAirlines Arena is a catalyst for all Miami businesses to invest in a greener future,” he said. “The Arena’s commitment to the Earth and our community paves the way for other companies in downtown Miami to follow that path and make a lasting difference.”