MGM Springfield receives highest level of Energy and Environmental Design certification

CEO Jim Murren said in a prepared release that MGM Resorts International is “immensely proud” to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum rating

The planned installation of a new solar array to supply renewable electricity to the casino was a key factor in winning the rating, MGM said. When it begins operating, the 1.13 megawatt solar canopy on the roof the MGM parking garage is expected to generate more than 1,600 megawatt hours of electricity, MGM said.

MGM Springfield hopes to begin the installation of the solar project at the end of May, a spokesman said. The project is being done in partnership with GE Solar, a subsidiary of General Electric in Massachusetts.

MGM Resorts, in working with local and state officials, was “committed to designing and building a property that exemplifies the Company’s values in support of environmental sustainability and positive social impact while honoring local history and architecture,” the company said.

It is expected to help reduce the property’s “annual carbon footprint” by about 410 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, the company said.

The Springfield casino opened in August 2018.

Other elements that helped MGM Springfield win the rating include 50 electric vehicle charging stations, a system that harvests rain to use for the casino’s landscaping, and the diversion of 95% of construction and demolition waste from landfills.

Cathy Judd-Stein, chairwoman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, said in a prepared statement that commission members "extend our congratulations to MGM on this significant achievement.

“The Legislature established strong energy goals in the Expanded Gaming Act for gaming establishments,” Judd-Stein said. “We are thankful to the City of Springfield and our fellow agencies for working closely with MGM Springfield to not only meet but greatly exceed our shared goal of achieving a world-class, sustainable facility.”

MGM Resorts has nine other properties that have achieved LEED Gold certification, including National Harbor, Aria and T-Mobile Arena. MGM Cotai in Macau earned a prestigious Three-Star certification under the China Green Building Design Label by the China Green Building and Energy Saving (Macau) Association.

All aspects of the MGM Springfield project in various buildings have already achieved or are seeking a minimum of LEED Gold certification.