Sustainability
The Naples Players’ newly renovated facility was designed with long-term sustainability in mind—minimizing environmental impact while supporting a thriving downtown. The only LEED Certified theater in the state of Florida, TNP's Energy-efficient systems, water-saving fixtures, and smart building technologies reduce consumption and waste throughout the campus.
Beyond the building itself, TNP incorporated sustainable landscaping and stormwater solutions in the surrounding alleyways. Native and drought-tolerant plants not only beautify the area but also support local biodiversity and reduce the need for irrigation. Permeable surfaces and improved drainage help manage stormwater naturally, reducing runoff into city systems.
By blending green practices with innovative design, TNP’s facility sets a new standard for how arts organizations can build responsibly—preserving resources, protecting our coastal environment, and enriching our community for generations to come.
Green Alleyways
Designed by DWY Landscape Architects, the landscape celebrates native biodiversity, climate resilience, and stormwater management in the heart of downtown Naples. The project followed a five-year approval process, during which TNP successfully advocated for the City of Naples to adopt new ordinances permitting native vegetation that had previously been prohibited.
Key Alleyway Features:
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Coastal-Resilient Plantings: Native species like Buttonwood, Sabal Palm, and Wild Coffee provide shade, stabilize soil, and support pollinators.
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Stormwater Management: Natural systems reduce runoff by over 50% through plant uptake, soil infiltration, and water retention—protecting the urban watershed.
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Living Wall & Green Facades: Reduce the urban heat island effect while enhancing visual and ecological appeal.
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Low Impact Development (LID): Permeable walkways, native planting zones, and minimal irrigation needs support long-term environmental health.
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Alleyway Flora: Native and salt-tolerant plants soften urban edges, restore habitats, and beautify pedestrian corridors.
This immersive outdoor environment reflects TNP’s commitment to environmental stewardship, offering a space where art, nature, and community flourish together.
LEED Certification
Our facility renovation followed LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) guidelines—an internationally recognized green building certification. This ensures our space meets high standards for energy use, air quality, water efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
By designing to LEED standards, TNP reinforces its commitment to sustainability, public health, and long-term community impact. LEED Certification evaluates 8 key areas, shown above.
Stormwater Systems
The Naples Players replaced aging stormwater infrastructure with a resilient, nature-based system designed to handle Florida’s increasingly intense rainfall. Through a carefully layered planting strategy—using native trees, shrubs, and groundcovers—the landscape now captures and filters rainfall, improving groundwater recharge and reducing runoff by over 50%. These enhancements relieve pressure on city systems, prevent urban flooding, and support long-term ecological health. By modeling sustainable stormwater design in a dense downtown setting, TNP reinforces its role as a leader in environmental and cultural stewardship.
Coastal-Resilient Plantings
TNP’s landscape embraces a plant palette specifically chosen for coastal resilience—ensuring long-term sustainability in a region increasingly vulnerable to storms, salt exposure, and drought. Native and regionally appropriate species such as Sabal palmetto, Buttonwood, Wild Coffee, and American Beautyberry were selected for their ability to thrive in sandy soils, withstand high winds, and tolerate salt spray. These plants not only reduce maintenance and irrigation needs, but also provide essential habitat for pollinators and native wildlife. Sculptural palms like Pseudophoenix sargentii and Coccothrinax add visual interest while contributing to storm resistance and biodiversity. Together, these coastal-tolerant plantings stabilize soil, protect against erosion, and ensure that the landscape remains both functional and beautiful in the face of Florida’s changing climate.
Living Wall & Green Facade
As part of its sustainable landscape strategy, The Naples Players incorporated a living wall installation that contributes to measurable environmental and aesthetic benefits. By introducing a year-round green façade into the heart of downtown Naples, the living wall helps reduce the urban heat island effect—cooling the surrounding area while enhancing the visual connection between nature and the built environment. This vertical landscape element adds biodiversity, supports pollinator activity, and creates a dynamic, living canvas that evolves with the seasons. Positioned to complement both the architectural and ecological goals of the renovation, the living wall reflects TNP’s commitment to sustainable design that is as impactful as it is beautiful.
You're part of the solution
At The Naples Players, sustainability is a shared effort—and our patrons play a key role in helping us operate more efficiently. Small actions—like using recycling stations throughout the theater; using the filtered water stations instead of plastic water bottles; and properly disposing of the biodegradable cups & bottles at concessions—make a big impact on reducing waste. We’re also exploring future, donor-supported initiatives such as the installation of a solar power array to further reduce our carbon footprint and enhance energy independence. As we continue to expand our green programs, your participation and support help ensure that TNP remains not only a cultural leader—but also a model for environmental responsibility in our community. Interested in learning more? Let an usher know and we'll be happy to follow-up with you!