San Diego Convention Center Sets Environmental Record

April 24, 2015

In 2014, San Diego Convention Center diverted 60 percent of all event waste, approximately 1,120 tons, from local landfills, setting a new record. The effort is part of the City of San Diego’s initiative to reach 75 percent diversion by 2020 and zero waste by 2040.

“We are proud of our ongoing success minimizing the environmental impact of meetings in our facility and our team is committed to building on our strong record.” said Carol Wallace, president & CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation.

Initial recycling efforts at the convention center began in 1990 with the placement of clearly marked bins to help to make it effortless for attendees to keep recyclables out of the waste stream. In 2011, the convention center achieved LEED-EBOM Silver Certification for the successful efforts by the Corporation and its staff to reduce waste, conserve water and improve energy efficiency at the 2.6 million square foot facility.

The recycled materials include paper, plastic, aluminum, glass, used batteries, printer ink cartridges, lightbulbs, tires, baled cardboard, wooden pallets, copper wire, carpet and cooking oil.

Other green efforts include 100 percent fluorescent lights for energy efficiency as well as water conservation, with 81,061 gallons of water saved with low-flow automatic sinks and toilets throughout facility, drip irrigation and an energy efficient dishwasher in the main on-site kitchen.

Fruits vegetables, olive oils and seafood are purchased from local farms and suppliers that are within a 100 mile radius, as supply and season allows. All food scraps are composted, eliminating the need for garbage disposals in our kitchen.

Environmentally responsible cleaning products are purchased for carpets, floors, kitchens and bathrooms.

Recently the Corporation has been considering Phase III expansion to increase the capacity of the convention center by 33 percent, adding 200,000 – 225,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, and an 80,000 sq. ft. ballroom. 

However, the efforts have been put on hold pending a financial and economic feasibility study and an evaluation of expanding the current facility into continuous exhibit space, as well as an expansion of exhibit and meeting space near the current facility for a campus-like environment. The study is expected to be completed by mid-summer 2015.

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Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact