Shawna McKinley shares this story about the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, one of the first LEED certified convention centers in the world. Nearly 10 years after it first opened, it has proven to be an investment that has paid off in many ways.
In 2003 the David L. Lawrence Convention Centre (DLCC) opened as one of the first LEED-certified convention venues in the world. Nearly 10 years later has sustainability paid off?
Based on a recent session at the GMIC Sustainable Meetings Conference it seems that sustainable building and business operations have combined to achieve triple bottom line benefits that stand the test of time in Pittsburgh.
Economic gains:
- Green meetings are estimated to comprise 22% of the convention market, valued at $24.4 billion.
- Pittsburgh is experiencing 4.5% growth in green-seeking conventions opting to meet in the city.
- Direct spend on green-seeking events in Pittsburgh is 26% of total spend, or $144 million.
- 38% of DLCC revenue comes from green events.
Environmental benefit:
- Natural ventilation at the DLCC has saved enough energy to power 51 households.
- DLCC has saved 55 million gallons of drinking water by better connecting use of water to source of water.
This article was partially reposted with the permission of Shawna McKinley. To read the rest of Pittsburgh Proves Sustainable Venue Programs Get Better With Age, click here.
(Photo by Nick Foust)
