Minneapolis Convention Center Achieves LEED Green Building Certification
September 6, 2017
The Minneapolis Convention Center has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for Existing Buildings: Operation & Maintenance (EBOM).
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the LEED rating system is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance.
“Sustainability is a priority at the Minneapolis Convention Center, and we are proud to be LEED Certified,” said Jeff Johnson, MCC executive director. “It is our responsibility, not only as meetings and events leaders, but also as citizens of the world, to think beyond the walls of our facility and how our actions impact the community at large.”
Johnson pointed out the example of the Mississippi River, which flows through downtown Minneapolis and serves as the backbone of the local community.
Last spring, the MCC completed a major sustainability effort to install a 250,000-gallon storm water system, which allows the facility to divert an estimated 5.4 million gallons of runoff rainwater annually from the river and redirect it to an underground storage system for the venue’s irrigation, he said.
“We strive to use our resources responsibly at the MCC, and it became clear we needed to take bold steps to change our primary source of irrigation among other efficiency efforts,” Johnson explained.
He added, “This mindset has become the cornerstone of our sustainability program and guides our efforts to be the best facility possible for our clients, our staff and the entire community.”
The MCC’s no-waste mentality also extends to working with a culinary partner that values sustainability and aligns with the facility’s mission.
“As we continue to push the needle to improve efficiencies and reduce waste, we are thrilled to have seasoned chef and Kelber Catering veteran John Doody at the helm as our newly named Executive Chef,” Johnson said. “His leadership and attention to detail will undoubtedly take the Minneapolis Convention Center’s culinary program to the next level.”
Additional examples of the facility’s ongoing sustainability initiatives include offsetting energy usage by 100 percent with solar and wind power; recycling 60 percent of waste in 2016; collecting 160 tons of organics for hog feed and composting; donating 4 tons of food per year and creating an inviting pollinator garden for bees, butterflies and other essential pollinators.
“Achieving LEED certification is more than implementing sustainable practices – it represents a commitment to making the world a better place and influencing others to do better,” explained Mahesh Ramanujam, USGBC president and CEO.
He continued, “Given the extraordinary importance of climate protection and the central role of the building industry in that effort, the Minneapolis Convention Center demonstrates its leadership through their LEED certification of an existing building.”
To learn more about the Minneapolis Convention Center’s sustainability efforts, go here.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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