LA Convention Center Reached High Diversion Rates Goal and Pivoted to Focus on Achieving Zero Waste
LABBC CASE STUDY
PROPERTY OWNER
Los Angeles Convention Center
PROPERTY TYPE
Other
SQUARE FEET
2,023,966
11%
Reductions in 2018
2019 Innovation Awards:
Walk the Walk Energy Efficiency Project of the Year
“Mayor Eric Garcetti has set the goal of making Los Angeles the most sustainable city in the United States. We are proud that the Los Angeles Convention Center is committed to operating in an environmentally responsible manner and is continuously seeking ways to reduce our environmental footprint and promote sustainable efforts within the tourism industry and with the millions of visitors to our great city.”
DOANE LIU
Executive Director, City of Los Angeles
Department of Convention and Tourism Development
PROPERTY
DESCRIPTION
The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) opened in 1971 and has been expanded three times. In 2008, it became the first U.S. convention center and first City of Los Angeles building of its age and size to be LEED certified.
SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
In its work towards the Los Angeles Sustainable City Plan, established in 2015, the LACC established specific performance goals for 2020 across five areas: (1) Energy and Climate, (2) Water, (3) Responsible Purchasing, (4) Education and Communication, and (5) Waste and Recycling. The LACC recently reached its goal of reaching high diversion rates and pivoted to focus on achieving zero waste.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The LACC has a long-held sustainability ethos. It hosted 2016 United States Green Building Council Greenbuild conference and 2018 Climate Reality Project Leadership Corps conference. The solar project eliminates 2,554 metric tons of carbon emissions per year (equivalent to planting 66,192 trees).
2018 PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Added 2.21-megawatts of solar capacity, bringing total to 2.58- megawatts and making it the largest solar array on a municipally- owned convention center in the United States
Upgraded over 2,000 exterior and interior lights (including exhibit halls) to LED lamps with projected savings of over one million kilowatt hours annually
Installed CO sensors on exhaust fans and Level 2 EV chargers
Upgraded three commercial dishwashers to water and energy efficient models
PROJECTS COMPLETED
BEFORE 2018
Installed a 525,000-square-foot “cool roof” that reflects sunlight and heat
Upgraded 30 refrigerators to ENERGY STAR® models
Upgraded 1,000 lights to LED lamps (70% of facility lamps replaced)
PRO TIPS
“In order to be successful, you must be innovative, lead by example, utilize all resources and evaluate your building. Clear goals and a 100 percent commitment drive the team’s formula for success which includes buy-in from all stakeholders. As sustainability is ever growing and changing, we must embrace change and build the road to a sustainable future.”
ESTELLA FLORES
Interim Vice President of Operations, LACC
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
LACC provides clients with detailed diversion reports including overall water and energy usage during the duration of their time in the facility. Center staff educates its employees, attendees, contractors, and event planners through weekly social media #ecoMonday posts, newsletters and a sustainability guide.
INNOVATION
The solar project utilizes PermaCity’s SolarStrap roof attachment system, which reduces the overall weight of the installation, thus allowing for a larger array, quicker installation, less labor and a longer lifespan. LACC uses Schneider Electric’s Resource Advisor program to monitor energy and water usage and track progress towards 2020 goals.
