Minneapolis Convention Center Stormwater System Projected to Massively Reduce Annual Runoff

May 16, 2017

The Minneapolis Convention Center now is using a recently installed stormwater storage system that is expected to keep an estimated 5.4 million gallons of rainwater from running off and flowing into the Mississippi River each year.

A series of large rainwater storage pipes with a total storage capacity of 250,000 gallons have been buried under the facility’s marshaling yard, where they will collect runoff from 10 acres of the building’s roof and store it in a network of 10- and 11-foot diameter corrugated steel pipes until needed for irrigation.

As the primary source of water for the convention center’s irrigation system, the stored water will be used to irrigate the center’s landscaped areas.  

In addition to reducing stormwater runoff to the river, the new system will also significantly lower the MCC’s water costs by reducing the amount of potable water the center has previously used to water its green spaces.

The massive project is also a recognition of the importance of the Mississippi River and the lakes to the region, according to Jeff Johnson, MCC executive director.

“In Minneapolis, we are proud that our city is the first major city below the headwaters of the Mississippi River,” Johnson said.

He continued, “Having one of the great rivers of the world in our midst, we have an obligation to keep it healthy for our own community and those down river. A healthy Mississippi River also provides recreation, tourism and an identity to our city. Installing the new stormwater system will divert 5 million gallons of stormwater from the river and our city’s lakes but also will help us to further our commitment to sustainability as a facility. From donating food to collecting organics and recycling waste to using solar power to offset our energy needs, we’ve been working for years to improve and update systems that make the Minneapolis Convention Center the best facility possible for our clients, our staff and our community.”

The $1 million project was funded out of the convention center’s annual repair and maintenance budget as part of the strategic plan to invest in the facility by making it more efficient through sustainable projects that reduce operating costs, according to Meet Minneapolis officials.

As Minneapolis has embraced the riverfront in recent years as a draw for recreation, visitors and new businesses, the City of Minneapolis and many partners have invested in efforts to reduce the amount of rainwater runoff from city properties, water that can carry pollutants into storm sewers, lakes and the river.

The completion of the stormwater project comes as the MCC works to attain LEED-Existing Buildings: Operation & Maintenance (EBOM) certification later this year, which includes a credit requirement for rainwater management.

As part of that ambitious goal, the facility has been working on upgrading the facility’s lighting to more energy-efficient products, including the recent addition of interior and exterior LED lighting in exhibit halls and future plans to change all lobby, meeting room and back-of-house space fixtures to LED.

In addition, a second phase of restroom remodels will continue the center’s efforts to reduce water usage by adding more water efficient fixtures.

The convention center was also recently recertified by the Green Meetings Industry Council for its sustainable operational practices.

To learn more about the Minneapolis Convention Center’s green initiatives, go here

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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