San Diego Convention Center Achieves LEED Gold Certification

April 27, 2017

The San Diego Convention Center has taken its environmental ambitions to the next level by achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification.

As one of the most popular and well-respected green building certification programs used worldwide, LEED is known as the foremost rating program for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of green buildings, homes and communities.

During a public celebration to mark this important milestone for the facility, San Diego Mayor Faulconer praised the venue’s efforts in achieving the benchmark environmental standards developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.

“San Diego is one of the greenest cities in the nation, so it makes sense that we are home to one of the greenest convention centers as well,” Mayor Faulconer said.

He continued, “As we move forward with plans to modernize and expand the San Diego Convention Center, this news shows how important it is to continually invest in this economic engine. With the support of organizations like the San Diego Convention Center, we can achieve the goals in our landmark Climate Action Plan to cut our city’s carbon footprint in half by 2035 and build a better future for all San Diegans.”



After achieving LEED Silver certification in 2011, the facility has been working overtime to reach the Gold standard and improve a sustainability business model that began when the venue first opened its doors in 1989.

In fact, long before “going green” was in fashion, the SDCC was the first facility to install recycling bins in 1990, according to SDCC officials.


The following sustainability achievements helped SDCC graduate from Silver to Gold certification:

•                In 2016, the facility diverted a record 79 percent of materials, or 3,162 tons, an amount almost equal to the weight of eight Boeing 747s.

•                Replaced old fluorescent lights with 11,650 energy-efficient LEDs in the exhibit hall, meetings rooms and offices.

•                Ninety-eight percent of all restrooms have been renovated to low-flow water usage, helping reduce indoor water usage by 32 percent.

•                The facility recycles 100 percent of all cardboard with the help of two cardboard balers.

•                During Comic-Con alone, the SDCC recycled 50 tons of cardboard. That’s more than eight times the weight of the Gaslamp Quarter Archway sign that hangs above Fifth Avenue.

•                All food scraps are all composted and reused by local gardeners.

•                Untouched food that hasn’t spoiled gets donated to the San Diego Rescue Mission.

•                Ninety-one tons of edible food leftover from events was donated last year, which helped feed 145,000 hungry San Diegans.

In addition, Centerplate, the facility’s in-house food and beverage team, has a sustainable food purchasing plan. This involves purchasing produce, vegetables and protein such as locally-caught fish, from within a 100-mile radius whenever possible.

Local farmers say this partnership is crucial to their business and helps boost the local economy.



“We at Moceri Produce believe that the convention center is a prime example of a way that local institutions and businesses can support local farms,” said Robert Farmer, purchasing agent, salesperson and program Manager for Morceri Farms, which helps supply the SDCC.

He continued, “By supporting the local economy with food purchases, this helps regional farmers practice their trade. And it enables the stewardship of the land, water, labor and environmental resources in order to create healthy, local food options for the guests the convention center.”



Being green also helps the convention center to continues to attract customers and boost the local economy.

In 2017, the estimated regional impact of San Diego’s conventions and meetings business is projected to be $1.1 billion.



“Sustainability is part of our DNA – it’s who we are,” said Clifford “Rip” Rippetoe, president and CEO of the SDCC.

He continued, “When meeting planners are choosing a destination, this matters. We know our customers want the San Diego experience and now they will know we are sustainability champions, as well.”



The SDCC also boasts an Energy Star Rating of 84, which demonstrates its performance to be more efficient than 84 percent of all convention centers.



In an effort to share best environmental business practices, the SDCC has joined the International Association of Venue Manager’s brand new Energy Management Council, which helps set policy for green meetings around the world.

“Buildings are a prime example of how human systems integrate with natural systems,” said Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and founding chair of the USGBC.

He added, “The San Diego Convention Center makes an immediate, positive impact on our planet, which will tremendously benefit us all.”



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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