SUSTAINABILITY

FUNCTIONAL, BEAUTIFUL AND ‘GREEN’

Our facility sits on the doorstep of nature, and we are very mindful of our impact on the environment.

From the design of our double LEED® Platinum certified facility, the use of the latest green technologies to the adoption of green operating practices, the Vancouver Convention Centre is committed to being as environmentally sustainable as possible.

We’re proud to be the world’s first double LEED® Platinum certified convention centre. Here are a few reasons why we are truly green by design.

• The West building’s six-acre living roof – the largest in Canada and the largest non-industrial living roof in North America – features more than 400,000 indigenous plant and grasses. Our unique roof is designed to act as an insulator, reducing heat gains in the summer and heat losses in the winter.

• A restored marine habitat is built into the foundation of the West building. Water quality in the area has improved dramatically, with the growth of a large variety of sea life.

• Our sophisticated black water treatment plant recycles grey and black water that goes back into our washrooms for toilet flushing and is used for rooftop irrigation during warmer weather.

• Our seawater heating and cooling system takes advantage of the adjacent seawater to produce cooling for the building during warmer months and heating in cooler months.

• Natural light and ventilation are maximized throughout the facility.

• Local BC wood products from sustainably-managed forests are used throughout the facility.

Our commitment to the environment doesn’t stop at our building features and technology. Ensuring sustainable practices daily is something we also take pride in. Most recently, we are proud to have been recognized as the first Healthy Venue in the Americas by the World Obesity Federation for our commitment to providing a healthy offering for our staff and guests in terms of food and well-being.

• We run an extensive facility-wide recycling program that includes organics.

• We operate a ‘scratch’ kitchen using primarily fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Promoting and using locally-grown products means less energy consumption for transporting products to our door.

• We encourage our purveyors to deliver their goods in reusable containers and work with suppliers with a strong commitment to the environment.

• Green SealTM and EcoLogoTM approved cleaning products are used facility-wide, including in the kitchen and food service areas.

The Vancouver Convention Centre is a landmark green building and a beacon of sustainability for conference centres across the world.”
- Thomas Mueller, President and CEO of the Canada Green Building Council

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS AND ACCOLADES:

• Recertified LEED Platinum (version 4.1) for Building Operations and Maintenance for West Building (2022)

• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum (version 4) for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance for West building (2017)

• Green Building Excellence Award for Existing Building by The Canada Green Building Council (2017)

• Convention Industry Council’s Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Level 4 Certification: Meeting Venue (2016)

• APEX and ASTM certification: Venue and Food and Beverage Standards (2014)

• Top Ten Green Projects awarded by the American Institute of Architects' Committee on the Environment (COTE) (2011)

• IMEX Green Supplier Award, Silver (2011)

• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Platinum (2010) for West building

• Professional Convention Management Association’s (PCMA) Environmental Leadership Award (2010)