Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center Becomes World’s Largest LEED-certified Convention Center

November 8, 2014

The Georgia World Congress Center recently was awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The GWCC is now the world’s largest LEED-certified convention center. With 3.9 million square feet, the GWCC is also the 14th largest LEED-certified building in the world.

“We could not be happier to receive this certification,” said Frank Poe, executive director of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), the State Authority that governs the GWCC, Georgia Dome, Centennial Olympic Park and manages the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center.

He added, “Our staff has worked diligently to green our event practices, reduce our environmental impact, and preserve our facilities for future generations. This recognition solidifies our leadership role in our industry and demonstrates our commitment to the community.”

The facility, located in downtown Atlanta, first opened in 1976, with a total of 750,000 sq. ft. The fourth and final phase of construction of the building was completed in 2002 bringing the total square footage up to the current 3.9 million, including 1.4 million of exhibit space.

Staff of the GWCCA created an internal “sustainability committee” to explore sustainable options for the facility in 2005. Educating staff and implementing a paper recycling program were two of the team’s initial focuses.

In 2010, the convention center hired Tim Trefzer as the facility’s first Sustainability Coordinator. With a position solely focused on sustainability, the center has been able to make substantial changes including waste diversion and energy conservation.

“Tim Trefzer and the GWCCA Sustainability Committee did an outstanding job securing this award.  We are very proud to be LEED Silver certified, this is a monumental achievement for the GWCC and the convention industry as a whole,” said Mark Zimmerman, general manager of the Georgia World Congress Center.

“Convention centers have difficulty comparing operational efficiencies because of the unique nature of the industry, whether it is event frequency, size, or type,” Trefzer said, who also is a LEED Accredited Professional. “The LEED rating system provides a baseline for sustainable operations and maintenance and we at GWCC are ecstatic to be the largest building of our type in the world to meet these stringent environmental criteria.”

In FY14, the GWCC diverted more than 275 tons of single-stream recyclables, 119 tons of organics for composting, donated 58-plus tons of food to local organizations, baled over 27 tons of cardboard and diverted a total of 602 tons of material from landfills.

The GWCC is a sponsor of the Green Meetings Industry Council (Atlanta Branch), a participant in the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge and a member of the US Green Building Council.

GWCC is approximately 27 percent more energy efficient than an average building of similar size and characteristics.

With its central urban location, recent installation of an electric vehicle charging station, and employee incentives, 47 percent of regular employees have reduced commutes to the building and therefore limit the transportation-related air quality issues by using mass transit, car or vanpooling, compressed work weeks, and telecommuting.

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Partner Voices
Less than six months ago, Lisa Messina joined the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) as the first-ever chief sales officer after leading the sales team at Caesars Entertainment. A 12-year Las Vegas resident, Messina is a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and serves on MPI International’s board of directors. TSNN had a chance to catch up with this dynamic leader and talk to her about her vision for the new role, current shifts in the trade show industry, creating more diversity and equity within the organization, and advice to future female leaders. Lisa Messina, Chief Sales Officer, LVCVA With Las Vegas becoming The Greatest Arena on EarthTM, what are some of the things you’re most excited about in your role? Our team was at The Big Game’s handoff ceremony earlier this month, and I couldn’t help but think, “We’re going to crush it next year!”  These high-profile events and venues not only drive excitement, but also provide unmatched opportunities for event planners. Allegiant Stadium hosts events from 10 to 65,000 people and offers on-field experiences. Formula 1 Grand Prix will take place in Las Vegas in November, after the year-one F1 race, the four-story paddock building will be available for buyouts and will also offer daily ride-along experiences that will be available for groups. And, of course, the MSG Sphere officially announced that it will open in September, ahead of schedule, with a U2 residency. It’s going to be the most technologically advanced venue as far as lighting, sound, feel, and even scent, and it will be available for buyouts and next-level sponsorships inside and outside. 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As the U.S. Travel Association makes more progress on the U.S. visa situation, we also expect a growing influx of international attendees. What are some innovative ways the LVCVA helps trade show and convention organizers deliver the most value for their events? We focus on customer experience in the same way that trade show organizers are thinking about it. We got rave reviews with the West Hall Expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), so over the next two years, we will be renovating the North and the Central halls, which will include not just the same look and feel, but also the digital experiences that can be leveraged for branding and sponsorship opportunities.  Vegas Loop, the underground transportation system designed by The Boring Company, is also a way we have enhanced the customer experience. Vegas Loop at the LVCC has transported more than 900,000 convention attendees across the campus since its 2021 launch. 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Scheduled to debut in Q4, Fontainebleau Las Vegas will offer 3,700 hotel rooms and 550,000 square feet of meeting and convention space next to LVCC.  What are some of the plans for advancing DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) within your organization? We’re currently partnering with instead of working with a leading consulting firm, to lay the foundation and create a solid DEI plan and be the leader when it comes to DEI initiatives. The heart of that journey with the consulting firm is also talking to our customers about their strategic approaches to DEI and driving innovation in this space.  What are your favorite ways to recharge? My husband and I have an RV and we’re outdoorsy people. So, while we have over 150,000 world-class hotel rooms and renowned restaurants right outside our doorstep, one of my favorite things to do is get out to Red Rock Canyon, the Valley of Fire, and Lake Mead. Five of the top national parks are within a three-hour drive from Las Vegas, so there’s a lot you can do. We love balancing the energy of Las Vegas with nature, and we’re noticing that a lot of attendees add activities off the Strip when they come here.  Valley of Fire What advice would you give to women following leadership paths in destination marketing? I think it’s about being laser-focused on what you want to accomplish; building a team around you that lifts you and helps you achieve your goals; and being humble and realizing that you do it as a group. No one gets this done alone. Thankfully, there are a lot of women in leadership in this organization, in our customers’ organizations, and in this city that we can be really proud of. We’re a formidable force that is making things happen.   This interview has been edited and condensed. This article is exclusively sponsored by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority. For more information, visit HERE.