Petco Park is "helping lead the way among sports stadiums across the country when it comes to reducing electricity use for lighting and water while expanding the stadium’s recycling programs at the same time," according to Rob Nikolewski of the SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE. Overall, the Padres estimate they have "reduced energy usage" by more than 40% compared to an average year. One of the biggest changes the team made prior to the start of this season was "changing its lighting fixtures -- ranging from the massive units above the stadium to the interior lights inside the park’s front office -- to state-of-the-art LED technology." Padres Dir of Facilities Services John McEvoy said that the lighting transition is about 95% complete. LED lights "are more expensive." But McEvoy said that the Padres "expect the investment to pay itself back in three years in lower electric bills." Meanwhile, all of the sinks at Petco Park now "have new automated devices that, once people remove their hands from under a faucet, shut off almost instantly." McEvoy said that the earlier system "could continue to pour water for up to 15 seconds." All told, it is "estimated that 390,000 gallons of water has been saved." The Padres diverted 73% of waste last year that "used to go to landfills, including 114 tons of cardboard that ended up getting recycled." The team’s goal this year is to boost the “diversionary rate” to 80%. McEvoy said that nine other teams "have approached the Padres to talk about their lighting and overall energy efficiency programs" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 6/7). The Padres this season became the "second MLB team to utilize LED lights on the field," joining the Mariners. Other teams have "installed LED lights in areas such as concourses, concession stands and offices, and eventually may add them to the field" (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 6/6 issue).
