The LEED certification has been awarded in the category of Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance. The centre is also one of only three in the US to achieve LEED Gold certification for an Existing Building. The process for the LEED certification began in 2008.
The centre, which encompasses an area of 600,000 square feet, was converted into an energy-efficient, environmentally sound, carbon neutral building by SMG. To achieve this, the services of Sustainable Options, LLC, Green Building Consultants was engaged, which, in support with various departments of the centre, conducted an energy usage audit of the exiting building.
To make the building sustainable, attention was paid on all aspects of sustainability, which encompasses water usage, lighting, recycling, and energy conservation. Certain select green features of the building consist of revamped landscape with an efficient micro-drip system that uses estimated 65% lesser water and feature plants that require lesser water; and replacement of light with new energy-efficient fluorescents, LEDs, CFLs and induction lighting.
To further cut back water consumption water efficient plumbing fixtures were used, which resulted in savings of more than 45%. The energy management system, such as temperature and lighting controls of the building also underwent upgrades.
The program has also replaced the two almost two-decades old water-cooled chillers with new, more energy-efficient Trane Earthwise water-cooled chillers; and upgraded the air-handling and ventilation system, such as carbon dioxide sensors for enhanced indoor air quality.
The centre, in partnership with clients and staff, has increased its annual waste system recycle percentage from 8% to 58%. It features Digester, a state-of-the-art, commercial organic waste decomposition machine, which turns all organic kitchen waste into gray water that is similar to waste water from a sink, which is then recycled at the water treatment plant and returned as potable water. The centre purchases green power to meet its energy requirements, which translates into prevention of 20,722,187 pounds of carbon dioxide emission.
To improve indoor/outdoor air quality, the building has no-smoking policy, which doesn’t allow anyone to smoke within 25 feet. To create awareness about the building’s real time energy consumption, a touch-screen kiosk has been installed in the building’s main lobby.
The convention centre’s kitchen also complies with green principles and has incorporated means, which assist in preserving earth. The culinary team, Savor, follows sustainable practices in the kitchen, including energy-efficient food preparation, non-toxic cleaning, recycling, and water conservation to purchasing locally produced food and beverages whenever possible.
The Convention Center plans to register with the USGBC for LEED for Existing Buildings recertification, which is scheduled to occur in five years.
