Red Rocks Amphitheatre Awarded LEED Gold Building Certification

 

DENVER – Red Rocks Amphitheatre announced today it has been awarded LEED Gold certification. At 85 years old, this certification marks a significant sustainability achievement for the historic amphitheatre, one of the oldest music venues in the country to receive this level of recognition. LEED (developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence.

 

“A recognition like LEED Gold isn't achieved by a single person or a single policy; it is the result of thousands of intentional daily decisions,” said Red Rocks Venue Director Tad Bowman. “Reducing our environmental impact has long been core to our values, and embedding those values into every decision is what brought us here today.”

 

Achieving LEED Gold at an 85-year-old, nationally landmarked venue presented distinct challenges not faced by new construction. As a National Historic Landmark, Red Rocks' preservation requirements limit changes to its original architecture and materials, meaning the venue has met modern sustainability benchmarks while protecting the venue's historic character.

 

“LEED certification is the ultimate recognition of global green building leadership, signaling that a space has undergone rigorous third-party verification and meets the highest green building standards,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC. “The success of LEED is due to the partnership and support of those committed to advancing green building and sustainability. Each new LEED certification brings us one step closer to revolutionizing the spaces where we live, learn, work and play.”

 

Red Rocks partnered with VCA Green, a sustainability consulting firm, to guide the certification process and help document the practices and performance measures that contributed to achieving LEED Gold certification.

 

"The natural beauty, complexity and historic significance of Red Rocks Amphitheatre presented unique challenges within the LEED program, making this a truly remarkable achievement," said Robyn Vettraino, Principal, VCA Green. "The team's timeless commitment to sustainable excellence and environmental stewardship provided the foundation to achieve this milestone LEED Gold certification."

 

Red Rocks achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in areas including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, waste diversion, materials selection and more. The certification builds on Red Rocks' longstanding environmental commitments. The venue has held ISO 14001 certification since 2009 as part of the City of Denver's Environmental Management System, guiding operations across energy use, waste management and recycling for the more than 2 million visitors it welcomes annually.

 

For more information, visit redrocksonline.com.

 

 

 

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About Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Denver Arts & Venues

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a world-renowned outdoor venue situated in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains just outside of Denver. Opened in 1941, Red Rocks was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and is celebrating its 85^th event season in 2026. The venue and remaining Civilian Conservation Corps camp have been designated a National Historic Landmark. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is owned by the City and County of Denver and operated by the City’s Denver Arts & Venues agency. For more information, visit RedRocksOnline.com.

Denver Arts & Venues’ mission is to enrich Denver’s quality of life and economic vitality through the advancement of arts, culture and entertainment opportunities for all. Denver Arts & Venues operates Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex, Colorado Convention Center, Denver Coliseum, Theatre at Loretto Heights and McNichols Civic Center Building, using proceeds from events at these venues to run and maintain these facilities and to provide access to art for all through free and low-cost community events, grants for artists and arts organizations, public art and art education. Using Good Times, For Good. For more information, visit www.ArtsandVenues.com

 

About the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to transforming how buildings and communities are

designed, built and operated to create thriving, healthy, equitable and resilient places that advance human and

environmental wellbeing. USGBC leads market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust

educational offerings, an international network of local community leaders, the annual Greenbuild International

Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram,  Facebook, and LinkedIn.