Minneapolis Convention Center Achieves LEED Green Building Certification

September 6, 2017
MCC Pollinator Park

The Minneapolis Convention Center has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for Existing Buildings: Operation & Maintenance (EBOM).

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the LEED rating system is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance.

“Sustainability is a priority at the Minneapolis Convention Center, and we are proud to be LEED Certified,” said Jeff Johnson, MCC executive director. “It is our responsibility, not only as meetings and events leaders, but also as citizens of the world, to think beyond the walls of our facility and how our actions impact the community at large.”

Johnson pointed out the example of the Mississippi River, which flows through downtown Minneapolis and serves as the backbone of the local community.

Last spring, the MCC completed a major sustainability effort to install a 250,000-gallon storm water system, which allows the facility to divert an estimated 5.4 million gallons of runoff rainwater annually from the river and redirect it to an underground storage system for the venue’s irrigation, he said.

“We strive to use our resources responsibly at the MCC, and it became clear we needed to take bold steps to change our primary source of irrigation among other efficiency efforts,” Johnson explained.

He added, “This mindset has become the cornerstone of our sustainability program and guides our efforts to be the best facility possible for our clients, our staff and the entire community.”

The MCC’s no-waste mentality also extends to working with a culinary partner that values sustainability and aligns with the facility’s mission.

“As we continue to push the needle to improve efficiencies and reduce waste, we are thrilled to have seasoned chef and Kelber Catering veteran John Doody at the helm as our newly named Executive Chef,” Johnson said. “His leadership and attention to detail will undoubtedly take the Minneapolis Convention Center’s culinary program to the next level.”

Additional examples of the facility’s ongoing sustainability initiatives include offsetting energy usage by 100 percent with solar and wind power; recycling 60 percent of waste in 2016; collecting 160 tons of organics for hog feed and composting; donating 4 tons of food per year and creating an inviting pollinator garden for bees, butterflies and other essential pollinators.

“Achieving LEED certification is more than implementing sustainable practices – it represents a commitment to making the world a better place and influencing others to do better,” explained Mahesh Ramanujam, USGBC president and CEO.

He continued, “Given the extraordinary importance of climate protection and the central role of the building industry in that effort, the Minneapolis Convention Center demonstrates its leadership through their LEED certification of an existing building.”

To learn more about the Minneapolis Convention Center’s sustainability efforts, go here.

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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? 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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.