FGBC Certifies UF’s Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium ‘Florida Green’
By Mike Bonts Public Relations, (904) 424-6641, mike@bontspr.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (May 27, 2020) – The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC), the leading certifier of green construction projects in the state, has certified Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium on the University of Florida campus FGBC “Florida Green”at the Gold Level.
“Any time we set out to improve our athletic facilities we take into account the needs for our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans. In addition, we are also committed to reducing the negative impact we have on the environment and improving sustainability throughout all our facility projects. With the recent renovation to Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium, it’s exciting news that we were able to achieve the first ‘gold-level’ certification on campus from the Florida Green Building Coalition,” said Chip Howard, Executive Associate Athletics Director for Internal Affairs.
The home of Florida’s two-time national softball program is located on the corner of Hull and Museum Roads in Gainesville, Fla. Improvements, such as the recent expansion, enhances the game day experience.
"When the nation's top collegiate teams take the field, Katie Seashole Pressly Softball Stadium will also be in the spotlight, demonstrating the applicability and adaptability of Florida Green Building Coalition green certification. The University of Florida has shown great leadership and a commitment to sustainability for making the stadium expansion a showcase for Florida Green construction," said C.J. Davila, Florida Green Building Coalition Executive Director.
The expansion is part of the University Athletic Association’s facilities master plan developed to improve the efficiency of the University of Florida’s athletic programs, Designed by Populous in partnership with local firm Walker Architects, Scorpio of Gainesville was the contractor.
Projects are visited, reviewed, and certified by a third-party green verifier. Dr. Jennifer Languell of Trifecta Construction Solutions was the FGBC Certifying Agent. Dustin Stephany of the University of Florida was the FGBC Designated Professional.
Unlike other national and international certifications such as USGBC LEED and Green Globes, FGBC are the only standards developed with Florida-specific criteria. They address Florida’s hot-humid climate, distinctive environment, unique topography, resiliency, and natural disasters.
Points are awarded by FGBC for each of the individual green certifying levels - bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Numerical points are given for selecting and integrating individual environmentally friendly green products, best practices, and sustainable techniques from a menu of available green options. The stadium was certified FGBC Gold with a score of 175.
Celebrating 20 years, FGBC’s five certifications provide pathways to build green homes, developments, local governments, high rises, and commercial buildings. The free market aspect of FGBC certification also keeps costs reasonable.