Mercedes-Benz Stadium has become the first stadium in professional sports to be awarded Total Resource Use and Efficiency precertification for its zero waste efforts.

Administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), TRUE precertification recognizes buildings and projects which have implemented the foundational programs and policies needed to effectively pursue zero waste and have demonstrated a commitment to achieving official TRUE certification.

“We are excited to announce that we have earned TRUE precertification, which is a major milestone on our journey to becoming a fully certified zero waste facility,” said Mercedes-Benz Stadium Chief Operating Officer Dietmar Exler. “Since construction, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has been committed to creating a sustainable environment both in and around the stadium to reduce our overall environmental footprint, this is just the next step in our overall journey.”

Since March of 2022, MBS has diverted over 90 percent of accumulated waste from landfill at all major events, including five Atlanta United matches and the venues’ two 2022 concerts to date, Kenny Chesney in May, and Coldplay in June.

MBS employs a variety of green practices and programs which allow the stadium to achieve zero waste on event day and in the building’s administrative offices including:

• Using supply chain items made from recyclable and compostable materials

• Leveraging a 6,000-square-foot resource recovery room (R3) to reclaim, sort and divert materials from landfill

• Sustainability education and engagement programs for fans, associates and the stadium’s food and beverage partners

• Recycling and compost bins added to every stadium suite by August 2022

In 2017, MBS became the first professional sports venue in North America to reach the highest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ certification (Platinum), the industry’s internationally recognized rating system for environmentally conscious developers, a certification also administered by GBCI.

MBS also employs a variety of other sustainable practices, such as water retention, energy conservation, alternative transportation, urban garden and agriculture programs. MBS has instituted partnerships with like-minded organizations such as Coca-Cola, Georgia Power, Novelis, Phade and Waste Management to further enhance its efforts.