Pasadena Convention Center Goes Green

Pasadena, Calif., (April 2009) - The expanded Pasadena Convention Center is implementing a host of “go green” initiatives in the areas of water use, electricity, recycling and traffic reduction. Because of its commitment to responsible environmental practices, it is anticipated the facility will receive a minimum of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification from the United States Green Building Council.

“This is all very fitting, considering Popular Science named Pasadena ‘one of America’s greenest cities’ in 2008,” said Michael Ross, CEO of the Pasadena Center Operating Company.

LEED is a third party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED certification offers third party validation of a project’s green features and verifies that the building is operating exactly the way it was designed to.

LEED is a point-based system where projects earn LEED points for satisfying specific green building criteria. The number of points the project earns determines the level of LEED Certification the project receives. LEED certification is available in four progressive levels: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

The Pasadena Convention Center’s “go green” initiatives include:

• Water-conserving restroom fixtures are expected to reduce water consumption by 37 percent. 
• The expanded Convention Center features high-efficiency lighting, including LED technology, and equipment. 
• An automated building control system monitors and manages equipment and lighting.
• Through a major retrofit, including a new, energy-efficient central plant, the Convention Center is operating without adding to the city’s electrical grid, even though it has added significant square footage.
• In the area of recycling, 85 percent of the demolition materials from the expansion were recycled. All metal and steel was recycled, and the concrete rubble was ground up and used as fill. Building material with post-consumer content was also used.
• An aggressive recycling program is being implemented to manage show and operational waste.
• For employees, the facility features alternate transportation amenities, including bike storage and shower/changing facilities. Preferred parking for carpools and vanpools, and incentives for those using public transportation are also being offered.

The Pasadena Center Operating Company is a nonprofit organization responsible for managing the Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena Civic Auditorium and Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau.  For more information, contact the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 307-7977 or go to pasadenacenter.com.