As GlobeSt.com reported in May, Bloomberg revealed plans to create the city's largest green development in an attempt to clean up and revitalize the 60-acre area surrounding the new Citi Field. During its construction and operation the builders will use at least two million pounds of recycled coal combustion products instead of newly manufactured Portland cement. This commitment alone saves more than 800 tons of carbon dioxide and is equivalent to taking 1,000 cars off the road for two months, saves enough energy for 1,000 homes for 19 days and saves landfill space for the solid waste from 2,000 people for 135 days, according to the EPA.

"The Mets organization deserves an environmental MVP award for their efforts to reduce the carbon footprint and the waste stream from the construction and operation of Citi Field," says Steinberg, in a prepared statement. "The Mets are also providing a great example for other sports and entertainment organizations, and we hope they will step up to meet that challenge. This important agreement underscores innovation and a comprehensive commitment towards sustainable development. From its use of recycled materials and energy efficient lighting to its commitment to joining the Energy Star and Waste Wise partnership programs, Citi Field is looking greener everyday."

Citi Field's environmental highlights include:

• Recycled Steel: Approximately 95% of the 12,500 tons of structural steel used to construct Citi Field is recycled. Using recycled steel saves money and dramatically reduces energy consumption, compared to making steel from virgin materials.
• Green Roof: The partners are considering utilizing a "green roof" for the administration building roof, which would decrease the energy needs of the building by insulating the roof from cold air in the winter and hot air in the summer as well as decrease storm water runoff by as much as 80%.
• Swales and Permeable/Porous Pavement: The Mets will have approximately 65,000 sf of porous pavers laid and an approximate 3,500-sf drainage bed designed for the commuter bus parking lot, across from Citi Field, to control the flow of storm water runoff. QBC plans to have large areas--approximately 25,000 sf--on the grounds left unpaved and planted to further control stormwater. The use of permeable pavers and a drainage bed will allow rain water to flow through the surface and recharge the groundwater instead of the water running off the surface.
• Using Coal Combustion Products: In selected areas, the Mets will use ash and other materials left over after a power plant burns coal to make the concrete used at Citi Field, saving CO2 emissions, landfill space, and energy. At least two million pounds of recycled coal combustion products are expected to be used as Citi Field takes shape Using these by-products safely preserves our natural resources and promotes environmental sustainability.
• Energy Conservation: The Mets will equip Citi Field with a system to monitor and automatically control temperatures and equipment start/stop times. It will be integrated with a "lighting control system" to automatically turn on/off all light fixtures, TV's, ad panels, as well as other equipment. The Mets will also install energy efficient air handlers, pumps, and chillers that vary the speed of the operating fans depending on what is actually needed to save energy as well as energy efficient lighting on the field to reduce energy consumption by as much as 50%.
• Water Conservation: The Mets will use metered hands-free faucets, toilet flush-o-meters, and waterless urinals, which will conserve millions of gallons of water a year.
• WasteWise Once Citi Field is fully operational, the Mets aim to join EPA's WasteWise program and has committed to auditing its garbage generation and establish recycling goals. This partnership program helps organizations eliminate costly municipal solid waste and select industrial wastes, benefiting their bottom line and the environment.
• Energy Star: The Mets are also joining the Energy Star program--a joint venture of EPA and the US Department of Energy that encourages environmental protection and money savings through energy efficient products and practices. As an Energy Star member, the Mets will reduce energy needs by using Energy Star products, where appropriate, and assist in educating employees and the public on how to reduce energy consumption.
• Low Sulfur Diesel: The Mets intend to have low-sulfur and ultra low sulfur diesel used in construction vehicles building Citi Field to reduce air emissions such as CO2 and particulates. Reducing emissions from diesel engines is top EPA priority and key to improving air quality in the New York area.

Bloomberg says in a prepared statement that "we are so pleased to see corporate citizens like the Mets step up and contribute to the goals of PlaNYC--our bold, far-reaching strategy for making New York a greener, greater city. It probably would have been easier to build a new ballpark without incorporating 'green' technology, but the Mets understand that their responsibility to New Yorkers doesn't end with the third out in the bottom of the ninth. They've taken the initiative to be bold, innovative, and environmentally responsible."