Mandalay Bay Convention Center and UBM Join Forces to Develop Sustainable, Energy Efficient Lighting
February 19, 2018
Global business-to-business events organizer, UBM, and its UBM Fashion Group division, recently partnered with Mandalay Bay Convention Center to collaborate in the development of a more energy efficient and sustainable lighting system within its exhibit halls.
The new LED system debuted during MAGIC Marketplace, held Feb. 12-14 at the MBCC and the Las Vegas Convention Center.
In a demonstration of MBCC and UBM’s commitment to progressive leadership in sustainable, environmental and socially responsible business practices, the multi-million-dollar investment is expected to provide significant carbon footprint reductions as well as improve the overall appearance of the convention facility.
“UBM is committed to sustainability across its events, so when conversations about partnering with the Mandalay Bay Convention Center to upgrade existing lighting, replace all fixtures and install a new control system came to fruition, we enthusiastically agreed,” explained Tony Calanca, UBM executive vice president of exhibitions.
He continued, “We are honored to partner with the MBCC and the impressive team responsible for executing this expansive lighting overhaul in just a matter of months. UBM’s partnership with the MBCC, coupled with this new, state-of-the-art lighting system, will provide long-term sustainability for the tradeshow industry, the city of Las Vegas and the broader society in which we live.”
More than 1,000 light fixtures at the MBCC have been replaced with top-of-the-line LED lights, increasing the luminescence range of the interior hall by nearly 300 percent and reducing the facility’s energy consumption by 85 percent.
The new lighting system will help reduce the MBCC’s environmental footprint in the following ways:
- The new control system is estimated to reduce energy consumption by 85 percent due to the ability to customize light levels. This amount of projected energy savings could power all of Mandalay Bay for nearly five days and prevent 900 metric tons of greenhouse gases (CO2E) each year.
- Within the 10-year project’s lifetime, there will no longer be a need to recycle 26,898 fluorescent lamps, which equals 20.4 miles of lighting.
- Each of the pre-existing fluorescent lamps contained 4 mg. of mercury, which means the 26,898 lamps recycled every 10 years contained 4 ounces of mercury. It only takes one ounce of mishandled mercury to contaminate a lake for centuries.
- Each year, 3,000 lamps will no longer need to be boxed a second time and transported to other states for recycling.
“This higher quality lighting system will help Mandalay Bay Convention Center – and MGM Resorts International – achieve significant energy savings,” said Chris Magee, vice president of sustainable facilities for MGM Resorts.
He added, “UBM is a valued partner and is as committed as we are to the environment. We’re excited to unveil the results of our collaboration.”
Both the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and the MBCC hold the Five Key ratings from the Green Key Eco-Rating and Meetings Programs, as well as a gold rating from TripAdvisor’s Green Leaders Program.
The convention facility integrates environmentally responsible practices into its operations including the recycling of more than 80 percent of all convention materials. From sustainable service ware and organic, sustainable menus to zero waste recycling, MBCC offers a variety of options to help groups conduct greener and more socially responsible meetings and events.
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Partner Voices
HERE, hosting responsible meetings and caring for our communities are top priorities. Through its 'Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet' philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make an impact in the lives of employees, guests, and the communities in which it operates.
Water Stewardship Efforts
MGM Resorts understands the importance of using water efficiently, especially in the desert destination of Las Vegas. Conserving water has always been part of the mission, but MGM Resorts has expanded its ambition into water stewardship.
In 2022, MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle signed the CEO Water Mandate—a UN Global Compact initiative mobilizing business leaders to advance water stewardship. MGM Resorts International was the first gaming company to take this important step.
MGM Resorts replaced 200,000 square feet of real grass with drought-tolerant landscaping in Las Vegas.
MGM Resorts pledges to reduce water withdrawal intensity by 33% by 2025 and by 35% by 2030.
From 2007-2021, use of more than 5.6 billion gallons of water was avoided because of conservation efforts.
Caring for One Another
MGM Resorts’ Food Donations Program collects and preserves unserved food from conventions held at MGM Resorts properties, then safely donates to food insecure people in the community. Since the program’s launch in 2016, more than 3.7 million meals toward a 2025 goal of 5 million meals have been donated into the community. Donations include:
Unserved perishable prepared foods from events
Perishable unprepared food from MGM Resorts’ kitchens
Nonperishable food items from minibars and warehouses
The collaboration with Southern Nevada’s primary food bank, Three Square, has developed the infrastructure needed to safely collect, transport, and store food from MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas, reducing food waste while serving the community.
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts understands its responsibility to contribute to the social and economic progress of the communities in which it operates. HERE, we embrace humanity.
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