What Makes a Convention Center Green?
The main attributes of green convention centers are similar to those of green hotels:
energy efficiency
waste management
water use efficiency
greener transportation alternatives
the use of environmentally-friendly products
excellent indoor air quality
the education of guests and staff
Unlike hotels, there are not any popular green-certification programs for existing convention centers. Thus, convention centers must tell the story of their environmental practices on their own. Boston’s three major convention centers each have a good story to tell.
Boston Convention Center & Exhibition Center and the Hynes Convention Center
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA), which is responsible for these two convention centers, has implemented many green business practices.
Energy Efficient Building Design and Equipment: The Boston Convention Center & Exhibition Center, opened in 2004, has many state-of-the-art energy efficient design features, including an advanced building management system, high efficiency lighting, and occupancy sensors that disable lighting when space is vacated.
Energy-Saving Operations: The BCEC reduces lights, power, and HVAC use during move-in and move-out in the exhibit halls. Also, sensor-controlled lighting is used throughout the convention centers to turn off lights in unused meeting rooms.
Comprehensive Recycling Program: The MCCA has implemented a well-designed and comprehensive recycling program at its two Boston facilities. They provide recycling receptacles in each meeting room and pre-function area. They compost food waste and recycle or reuse grease, pallets, glass, metals, bottles and cans, cardboard, plastics—including shrink wrap, carpet and padding, and paper. Exhibitors who anticipate excessive waste can arrange for periodic waste pick up with the customer service desk; and their MCCA Event Managers coordinate special recycling needs for various conventions.
The MCCA was recognized for its recycling program by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and U.S. EPA who bestowed the WasteWise Waste Reduction Leadership Award to them in November 2006.
Environmentally Preferable Paper Products: The two convention centers use Green Seal certified paper supplies. For example, all restroom paper products are 100% recycled content, including 25 – 35% post consumer material.
Environmentally Preferable Cleaning Products: The MCCA uses green cleaning products for daily bathroom and public space cleaning. More than 80% of the bathroom supplies, such as hand towels and toilet paper, are recycled products.
Seaport World Trade Center
The Seaport World Trade Center and Seaport Hotel have implemented the Seaport Saves initiative, which fosters conservation in their facilities. Some of their achievements are listed below.
Energy Efficient Lighting: Energy-conserving, compact fluorescent bulbs have been installed in the Seaport Garage and the Seaport World Trade Center. A total of 2,012 fixtures were replaced throughout both buildings. These bulbs use about 70 percent less energy than ordinary bulbs.
Energy Efficient Roof: All buildings on the Seaport World Trade Center campus have a Sarnafil EnergySmart Roof system, which is designed to reduce atmospheric heat and conserve energy.
Green Roof: The World Trade Center East Podium has a green roof that uses a non-irrigated 5-inch deep, pre-vegetated mat which contains sedum plants. This eco-friendly roof offers many long-term benefits, including reduced run-off, and energy conservation.
Green Space: Recognizing the value of open space, the Seaport World Trade Center complex features 2.1 acres of park land throughout the campus – 11% of the entire property. Eastport Park and the Plaza Gardens have become a valuable amenity and oasis for guests and neighbors.
Greener Transportation Alternatives: Seaport Companies encourages their employees to ride public transportation by subsidizing 50 percent of their commuting costs. This is in addition to a partnership with Seaport Transportation Management Association, which offers carpool and walk or bike to work programs. Also, they house two Zipcar vehicles on site. Zipcars allow employees and guests to use mass transit to get to work, knowing that a vehicle is available if they need one.
Recycling: The convention center recycles cardboard, plastic, glass, aluminum, white paper, cooking oil and newspaper. In 2006, they recycled 178 tons of material, achieving a recycling rate of 34%.
