Oregon Convention Center Achieves Highest Level of International Sustainability Standard Certification
August 15, 2014
The Oregon Convention Center has been certified to the highest level of a new international sustainability standard.
OCC achieved Level Four certification for the ASTM Standard pertaining to the evaluation and selection of venues for environmentally sustainable meetings, events, trade shows and conferences.
The venue standard is one of nine standards introduced by the meetings, conventions, exhibitions and events in industry in 2012 to provide event planners and suppliers with specifications for producing events in a more sustainable manner.
“We are proud and excited to be the first convention center to attain Level Four of the ASTM Venue certification,” said Scott Cruickshank, executive director of the OCC.
He added, “Certification to the industry’s global standard at its highest level is further evidence of OCC’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.”
Earlier this year, the convention center earned LEED Platinum re-certification as an existing building, and, in 2013, it was re-designated a Salmon Safe facility based upon its design and use of storm water runoff.
“This is great news for the Oregon Convention Center and all of us working to make Portland a more sustainable destination choice for convention planners,” said Jeff Miller, president and CEO of Travel Portland, the destination and marketing organization for Portland.
Travel Portland obtained Level One certification to the ASTM Destination Standard in 2013.
The ASTM Venue Standard delineates the procedural requirements for venue selection – the practice of researching, evaluating and choosing the facility for an event.
The standard states specific performance criteria for staff management, communications, waste management, energy, air quality, water, procurement, and community partners. The standards were created in partnership with ASTM International, an ANSI-accredited standards development organization.
iCompli, a division of BPA Worldwide, a non-profit international auditing organization headquartered in Shelton, Connecticut, development the certification protocols for ASTM standards and performed the independent third party certification of OCC’s compliance with the venue standard.
“Our certification of the event sustainability standards driven by GMIC and now adopted by the Oregon Convention Center continues our long-standing partnership with the event industry to promote transparency,” said Glenn Hansen, CEO of BPA Worldwide.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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