Climate Pledge Arena, the famous venue originally built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, has been extensively redeveloped. The newly renovated arena was reopened to the public on 22 October 2021 with a sold-out Coldplay concert and a new identity as the most sustainable arena in the world, with zero carbon emissions, zero single-use plastic and zero waste.
The name Climate Pledge Arena refers to the pledge launched in 2019 by Amazon, the lead investor in the project, in partnership with environmental advocacy group Global Optimism with the aim of building a cross-sector community of companies and organisations committed to achieving zero net carbon emissions by 2040.
This enormous sustainable redevelopment project was carried out by Populous, Rockwell Group and Mortenson, with all work focused specifically on reducing environmental impact. The arena is powered exclusively using 100% renewable electricity generated on-site by purpose-built photovoltaic systems or purchased from certified offsite suppliers.
The arena also uses captured rainwater to produce the ice surface for hockey games. The original £44 million roof of the old building was retained in the new building, a decision that significantly reduced the project’s overall carbon footprint. The food offered to spectators is also sustainable. The menu, prepared by executive chef Molly DeMers, uses locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, and uneaten food is donated to the needy.
The project devoted a lot of attention to the choice of suppliers, opting solely brands that were committed to safeguarding the planet. One such chosen brand was Florim, a B Corp certified company renowned for products that combine high quality, creativity, performance and sustainability. The selected collections include the Les Bijoux de Rex, Prexious and Florim Stone porcelain tiles, which are used to clad and decorate tables and countertops in the lounges. The floor in the prestigious Moët & Chandon Impérial Lounge uses tiles from the Ardoise de Rex collection, a ceramic surface reminiscent of natural slate. In this project, ceramic tile amply proves its credentials as a timeless material popular with leading architecture firms for its qualities of sustainability, durability and versatility, not to mention its authenticity, sensuality and elegance. It is a surface covering material that enhances the value and prestige of renovation projects and integrates perfectly into contemporary contexts.
