The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) recently accepted its certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB), awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Various physical models of the earth-friendly programs implemented at LACC were in exhibition for public viewing.
"The Los Angeles Convention Center has done a great thing for this city and for our environment by greening their building to LEED standards. They serve as an example for what all major buildings in Los Angeles can do to promote a clean, sustainable future," stated City of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa.
LEED is a rating system for sustainable buildings, which is regulated by the U.S. Green Building Council. This is a voluntary program designed for building owners to run and operate their buildings as efficiently and as economically possible without negatively impacting the surrounding community and environment.
"Part of the reason LA INC. booked an unprecedented 53 citywide conventions last fiscal year is because of the Los Angeles Convention Center's allure as a first-tier facility," said Mark Liberman, president and CEO of LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau. "One of the most important topics right now for meeting professionals is environmental responsibility, so by having a LEED-EB certified convention center in addition to all our new entertainment options within easy walking distance at L.A. LIVE, the City of Los Angeles must now be considered a premier convention destination."
LACC aspires to become a zero waste facility, which means moving from over 50% diversion to 100% diversion. It plans to immediately work on enhancing its LEED certification and is also looking at thermal storage which will significantly reduce the facility’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning loads even further. LACC is also committed to researching ways to add green space in the near future. Certification of LACC’s LEED-EB was completed in partnership with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation.
Click here to read more about the LACC's green programs.
