Twins announce results of green efforts at Target Field

The Minnesota Twins today announced results of their ongoing green efforts as they continue to seek ways to improve the sustainability of Target Field.

"The Minnesota Twins organization believes our future success - both on and off the field - is built on a business model that embraces operational efficiency, environmental stewardship and social responsibility," said Dave St. Peter, Twins President. "Through the following efforts, we have reduced our overall impact on the environment while we continue to seek ways to improve the sustainability of Target Field."

Capturing and Reusing Rainwater
Through a custom-designed Rain Water Recycle System provided by Minneapolis-based Pentair, the Minnesota Twins have captured, purified and reused more than 3,133,892 total gallons of rainwater, drastically reducing the use of municipal water at Target Field. The majority of the recycled rainwater was used to wash down the seating bowl attached to the main concourse.

Recycling and Converting Waste to Energy
Through aggressive recycling and waste-to-energy programs, the Twins have kept more than 3,761 tons of waste out of local landfills since 2011.

• 1,656 tons of trash have been sent to the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center
• 1,507 tons of waste have been recycled from Target Field
• 543 tons of organic materials have been composted and diverted from landfills

In 2014, the Twins will seek help from fans in increasing the amount of recycled organic materials, further reducing the amount of waste produced at Target Field.

Donating Unused Food to Local Charities
The Minnesota Twins and concession partner Delaware North Companies Sportservice donated more than ten tons of food to local charities last season. Through a partnership with Rock and Wrap It Up! Inc., representatives from Joseph's Storehouse in Brooklyn Park boxed up all prepared but untouched meals at Target Field, donating the unused food from Target Field to local charities. Throughout the 3-year partnership, the Twins have donated:

• 108,993 cased meats (hot dogs, brats, etc.)
• 15,289 hamburgers
• 7,095 chicken breasts

Target Field partners with Glad to create the One Bag Challenge
Glad is helping one of America's greenest ballparks, Target Field, reduce its waste. Sections 235 and 236 of the stadium will be taking the Glad One Bag Challenge at every home game. The goal is to have just one bag of waste per section go to landfill with the rest diverted to recycling and compost. In addition to the at game activation attendees will all be provided with a Glad garbage bag to take the challenge home. Can they limit their trash to one bag for the week? Once the bag is full, consumers can upload a photo of their efforts with the hash tag #onebagchallenge to be entered to win prizes while tracking their impact. Want to be part of the solution? Visit Onebagchallenge.com to find out how a small change can make a big difference.

Upcoming All-Star Game Green Elements
The 2014 All-Star Game will be played at Target Field, the first professional sports facility to receive LEED® Silver certification for both construction and operations, and 2014 MLB All-Star Summer will build on the continued commitment to the environment by Major League Baseball and the partnership with Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) by incorporating a wide variety of environmentally-sensitive efforts, including the following:

• Raising awareness about the importance of "going green" via public service announcements in-stadium and environmental education materials online (MLB.com/green);
• "All-Star Green Teams" will be on hand throughout All-Star Week events wearing branded organic cotton T-shirts and circulating throughout the ballpark collecting recyclable materials
• Prioritizing recycling and composting of materials at events throughout MLB All-Star Week, including printing on recycled materials and working with concessionaries to recycle grease and oil to be used as bio fuel;
• Addressing energy and water usage through efficiency measures and by investing in renewable energy offsets and water restoration credits.
• Working with the "Rock and Wrap it Up!" program to donate leftover food from events at Target Field and around the city to assist local organizations.

Target Field - The First Professional Sports Facility to Receive LEED Silver Certification for Both Construction and Operations
Less than 2 years after being named the Greenest Ballpark in America and earning LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Silver certification for New Construction, the Minnesota Twins were the first professional sports franchise to also attain LEED Silver Certification for the operation and maintenance of their facility.

"As we move forward, the Twins are committed to maintaining our focus on environmental sustainability," said Dave St. Peter, Twins President. "While we can always improve, we're proud of our efforts in 2013 and are looking forward to doing even more in 2014."