The Vancouver Convention Center has been awarded the Canadian Association for Exposition Management’s (CAEM) 2018 Give Back Award, which recognizes a member organization that has made corporate social responsibility and giving back to its community an integral part of doing business. 

“Through the Vancouver Convention Centre’s efforts in energy and sustainability as being the world’s first double LEED platinum certified facility to their contributions to their local community through charities such as United We Can, among many other efforts, the Vancouver Convention Centre is undoubtedly the deserving recipient of this award,” said Jennifer Allaby, president of CAEM, Canada’s national association of event professions involved in the production, management and planning of trade shows, consumer shows and events.

Besides being one of the greenest convention facilities in North America, the VCC boasts a strong corporate social responsibility program and partners with several local charities committed to supporting communities in Vancouver’s inner city. 

One such partnership is with United We Can, a Vancouver-based charitable organization that creates “green-collar” recycling jobs for disadvantaged people facing multiple barriers to traditional employment. 

Through its hospitality partner, Centerplate, the VCC donates 100 percent of its beverage recyclables to the charity’s recycling depot, and in the last year alone, the facility donated 241,246 bottles and containers, at a value of more than $20,000.  

The VCC also works with event organizers to ensure leftover goods and materials are donated to local charities or community groups for re-purposing, with donations made to the Vancouver Public Library; Vancouver Orphaned Kitten Rescue Association; Vancouver Food Bank Society; Union Gospel Mission; First United Church; Salvation Army and Common Thread.

“We are truly honored to be recognized by our industry with such a meaningful award,” said Craig Lehto, VCC general manager. 

He continued, “With the size, scope and reach of our facility, along with our location in the heart of downtown Vancouver surrounded by business and local residents alike, we recognize the important role we need to play to enrich our community. We hope this award shines light on the amazing local charities we work with and that our partnerships with them, along with our efforts in sustainability, will inspire others to make a difference in their communities.”

Last fall, the VCC was awarded its second Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance (version 4)by the Canada Green Building Council, making it the only double LEED Platinum convention center in the world.

This achievement required a rigorous effort to build on the facility’s sustainable performance in areas including waste management, energy efficiency, indoor water use reduction, and facility maintenance and renovations.