SEATTLE – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency office in Seattle commended the Seattle Mariners baseball team for winning the “Setting an Example Award” at the Sustainability Leadership Awards hosted by Sustainable Seattle on Jan. 23.

The EPA Green Sports Week of Action, from Jan. 26-30, highlights sustainability work of sports teams, facilities and outdoor organizations across the nation.

“The Mariners reflect the green values of their city and fans as they set a national example for sustainable games,” said Dennis McLerran, EPA regional administrator for the Northwest region.

“The sustainability practices the Mariners use at Safeco Field on a large scale—recycling, composting, installing efficient lights—are simple and impactful things fans can do at home. It’s important we all do our part because so many cherished Northwest sports and outdoor activities depend on a healthy environment.”

The Mariners received the award for their leadership in sustainable ballpark operations since 2006.

The team recently became the first team in Major League Baseball to install energy-saving LED lighting in their ballpark to replace less efficient metal halide fixtures.

The new LED lights are expected to reduce energy consumption by 60 to 70 percent and last 30 times longer than the old lights.

In addition, the Mariners recycle or compost over 90 percent of all waste generated at Safeco Field. In 2013, the Mariners diverted over three million pounds of waste from landfills and saved $114,000 in waste disposal costs.