The San Diego Convention Center Corporation (SDCCC) is committed to supporting and encouraging sustainable practices, including the hosting of environmentally friendly “green” meetings in our building. Over the past several years, the Corporation has garnered nearly a half-dozen state and city awards for our highly successful conservation and recycling efforts.

Because conservation of energy and natural resources is a top priority, the SDCCC has developed several programs promoting minimal use of materials and natural resources that adversely impact the environment. Outlined below are green programs and practices currently in place at the Convention Center. We invite clients and guests to join in these efforts.

 GREEN Fact Sheet PDF download [484 KB]

Waste Minimization

• Initial efforts began in 1990 with the diversion of glass and plastic bottles, aluminum cans, mixed paper, wood pallets and clean green waste to the City of San Diego’s recycling center. Mixed recyclables (paper, plastic, aluminum, glass) are collected daily in clearly marked bins throughout our building on a “no-fee” basis.

• Recycling diverted 24% of our total waste in 2007, or 520 tons.

• Used batteries, printer ink cartridges, light bulbs, tires and corrugated cardboard (baled onsite) are among additional items being diverted. Copper wire is also recycled after every show, averaging five tons annually.

• Food & beverage collects cooking oil which is recycled into bio-diesel fuel.

Energy Efficiency

• Recent Heating/Cooling System replacement and upgrades save 2.7 million kWh annually.

• Energy-management software and energy-efficient lighting saves 734,000 kWh annually.

• Energy-efficient dishwashers in kitchen save 3,297 kWh and 8,198 gallons of water annually.
  
  
• Installation and operation of solar panels by end of fiscal year 2009 has been established as a goal.

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Water Conservation

• Low flow, automatic sinks and toilets in all restrooms.

• Outdoor landscaping uses drip irrigation, drought-tolerant plants and mulch to reduce watering.

• Combined efforts save 81,026 gallons of water annually.

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Food Composting

• A food composting program began in June 2007. An estimated 260 tons of food waste will be diverted annually. Ultimately, our goal is to divert all food scraps, eliminating the use of garbage disposals.

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Environmental Purchasing

• Only products made with biodegradable, recycled materials, including copy paper, legal pads, envelopes, toilet paper, facial tissue and paper towels are purchased.

• Environmentally responsible cleaning products are purchased for carpets, floors, kitchens and bathrooms.
  
  
• Food and beverage purchases beef, pork and lamb through a network of local family owned farms committed to raising livestock through humane, sustainable practices. No antibiotics or growth hormones are used. Organic fruits, vegetables and herbs are also exclusively purchased locally.
  
  
• Biodegradable corn-based and sugarcane-based plastic cutlery cups and plates are purchased and used by Food & Beverage.
  

• All in-house vendor contracts require adherence to “green” practices.

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Donating Reusable Goods

• Work with clients to ensure excess food is donated to local charities following events.

• In 2007, 45.59 tons of food was donated.

• Leftover convention items, unclaimed lost and found items, and surplus furniture and computers are donated to local schools and social service organizations. In 2007, 19.7 tons in total was donated through this program.
  

• For more information, email gerrica.gray@visitsandiego.com.

DONATIONS Flyer PDF download [196 KB]

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Leadership

• The SDCCC has a "Green Team" whose mission is to proactively develop, implement and encourage sustainable practices for events and business conducted in our building that protect the environment and conserve our natural resources for future generations.
  
  
• Executive management participate on the IAEE Committee for environmentally responsible events & exhibitions, which develops best practices to minimize the impact of events globally.

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America's Finest & Most "Walkable" City/Transportation

• San Diego is not only America’s Finest City, it was ranked 7th among the top 10 most walkable U.S. cities in 2007 by Prevention Magazine and the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

• Accessible downtown with 11,000 hotel rooms plus restaurants and attractions all within walking distance of the Convention Center.

• The proximity of the hotels to the Convention Center reduces shuttling and emissions.
  
  
• Convention Center is easily accessible via bus or trolley.
  
  
• Employees receive paid incentive to use public transit.

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Environmental Awards

Our “green” efforts have resulted in the following state and local awards:

• 2008 Recycler of the Year, City of San Diego

• City of San Diego’s Director Award in 2003, 2006 and 2007.

• State of California’s 2003 WRAP (Waste Reduction Award Program) Award

• 2005 SANDEE (San Diego Excellence in Energy) Award for Central Plant Efficiency Project (new chiller system installation) in non-profit category.
  

GREEN Fact Sheet PDF download [484 KB]

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