The Huntington Center, which replaced the demolished Toledo Sports Arena, is studded with a host of ‘green’ elements. The arena, which was opened on 16 October 2009, features an energy-efficient combination of Pilkington Solar-E and Pilkington Energy Advantage Low-E in the units for the exterior façade. Pilkington Optiwhite low iron glass from Pilkington, a worldwide manufacturer of glass and glazing products, has been used for interior stair wells, balustrades and boxes. It offers spectators a clear view of the action taking place in the main hall.
The signature green design element of the Huntington Center is 900 square feet ‘green wall’ located outside the building. The unique wall features plant life on the exterior of the building to help cool the arena by shading the glass-enclosed main entrance. The arena’s location to mass transit systems, use of a light-coloured roof membrane that reflects sunlight and underground cisterns collecting rain water to re-use for landscaping purposes around the arena, have also contributed to its LEED certification.
The facility’s heating and cooling system is designed to operate 28% more efficiently than the standard building code requirement.
The arena is part of a complex that includes SeaGate Convention Centre and Fifth Third Field. The design team consisted of HNTB Architecture, The Collaborative Inc., Lathrop Turner, Toledo Arena Sports Inc. and SMG. The team also worked with local ‘green’ companies, including Pilkington North America Inc. to integrate eco-friendly features.
