The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) recently received formal acceptance of its certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB), awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). "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.
Pictured here, community members and stakeholders gather together to celebrate the Los Angeles Convention Center LEED® Certification for Existing Buildings by the U.S. Green Building Council. (from L to R: Lance Williams, president, LA Chapter, U.S. Green Building Council; teacher and students from Bushnell Way Elementary School in support of greening the environment; Bud Ovrom, deputy mayor, Office of the Mayor; Christina Noonan, Commission president, LACC; Jan Perry, councilwoman, 9th District; Cynthia Ruiz, Board president, City of Los Angeles Public Works Department; Mark Liberman, president and CEO, LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau)

The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) is one of the most technologically advanced convention and exhibition centers in the world and attracts over 2.5 million visitors each year. It is renowned internationally as prime site for conventions, trade shows and exhibitions. With its towering emerald architectural design, the LACC is a well recognized Los Angeles landmark.
An integral economic component to the Southern California area, total sales from client secondary spending tops $1.1 billion annually, generating and sustaining over 12,000 local jobs. LACC is a model environmental-friendly facility. Its solar panels are capable of meeting the electricity needs of an estimated 100 homes, and it’s recycling, energy efficiency, and water conservation programs help to conserve the environment.

LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau is a private, nonprofit business association whose primary mission is to market and promote Los Angeles as the premier eco-friendly site for meetings, conventions and leisure travel. Though not part of city government, LA INC. is recognized as the city’s official tourism marketing organization. Setting the stage for the 21st century, LA is one of the world’s most creative, culturally diverse and eco-friendly cities in the world. For more information, visit www.discoverLosAngeles.com.