What it took to build the ‘greenest’ arena ever
Mortenson had to pivot 15 months into construction, when plans changed to create the world’s first net-zero-carbon arena
BY CHRIS ALLEN
As we counted down to opening day of Climate Pledge Arena on Oct. 22, people around the region were excited to welcome live music, National Hockey League’s Seattle Kraken and Women’s National Basketball Association’s Seattle Storm to Seattle. But few people know what it took to build the first International Living Future Institute-certified net-zero-carbon arena in the world.
Being chosen by Oak View Group, a Seattle public-private partner and developer, to redevelop Climate Pledge Arena into a brand-new, best-in-world venue — all while keeping its historic landmarked roof intact — has been one of Mortenson’s most challenging and rewarding undertakings.