U.S. Bank Stadium has become the first professional sports stadium to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum status for building operations and maintenance.

The stadium, which opened Aug. 3, 2016, received the award under a scoring system that looks at waste reduction, energy efficiency and promotion of alternative transportation. Platinum is the highest of the four LEED ratings.

In a news release Thursday, stadium operators said the "prestigious recognition signifies achievements in sustainability for the ongoing, daily operations of U.S. Bank Stadium."

Michael Vekich, chairman of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, the public body that oversees the building, said, "As stewards of this facility, it is our responsibility to be on the forefront of sustainable operations."

Mahesh Ramanujam, CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council, which granted the designation, said the stadium is a "healthy, green and high performing" venue.

Among the achievements so far have been a "zero waste" Super Bowl in 2018 with 91% of waste diverted from a landfill, donation of 25,000 pounds of food, sustainability tours, use of renewable energy credits to use 100% wind power and supplying 180 bike racks.

The stadium's translucent plastic roof brings in natural daylight that aids the heating and cooling of the building.

In 2017, the stadium was certified LEED Gold for building design and construction.

The $1.1 billion stadium was a public-private project with funding from the state, Minneapolis and the owners of the Minnesota Vikings.

Rochelle Olson • 612-673-1747 Twitter: @rochelleolson