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.
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
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