Energy Efficiency

2010 Energy Highlights:

• In 2010 our 300kw Roof Top Solar Array generated 401,000 kwh of energy. Combining 2009 and 2010, this system has reduced CO2 emissions by 1,096,606lbs. This is the equivalent of powering:
  • 6,781 computers for 1 year
  • A TV for 6,126,536 hours
  • 48 homes for 1 year
• Completed a major Lighting Retrofit: Total Annual Energy savings (kWh) 882,160. Annual cost savings $63,500.
• In 2010, we reduced the average energy consumption per attendee from 86 kwh in 2009 to 77kwh.
• According to Energy Star, the Colorado Convention Center is currently 27 percent more efficient than the national average convention center.

Waste Reduction & Diversion

2010 Diversion Highlights:

• 3 Waste Stream System of Compost, Recycle, Landfill.
• Diversion Rate of 48%
• Donated over 5,300lbs of materials to various local non-profits.
• Composted 354,300lbs of material
• Recycled 537,600lbs of material
• New Signage for Recycling, Compost and Landfill bins throughout the building.
• Conversion to compostable service ware for Centerplate operations.

Water Conservation

2010 Highlights:

• 2010 water fill stations were permanently installed in our Grand Concourse
• Reduction of water consumption of almost 49 percent from 2008 to 2009, which resulted in over $25,000 in savings
• These reductions were a result of water-saving plumbing fixtures and landscape practices

Air Quality

• Sponsoring TWO B-Cycle Bike Share Stations on site.
• Adding additional Bike Racks around the venue.
• Continuing to offer FREE Eco-passes for employees.
• FREE Hybrid parking spots in our parking garage.

Community Sustainability Outreach

• Adopted 8 acres of land along the Platte River in Downtown Denver. Multiple times a year, convention center staff volunteer their time to get outside and clean up the area for others to enjoy.
• Our Reclaim Room Efforts, the CCC donated leftover conference materials to numerous non-profits, including: RAFT, Mission Ware, Resource, and Bolder Path.
• In one month along, Centerplate donated over 7,100 meals to local shelters throughout Denver.
• Member of the Rocky Mountain Green Venues Partnership, a collaboration with various Colorado Venues and the Federal EPA

Green Awards & Accreditations

• In May 2010, the Colorado Convention Center announced its certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB), awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The achievement makes the Colorado Convention Center the largest LEED certified building in the state and one of the three largest convention facilities to earn this designation in the U.S.
• EMS ISO 14001 Certification
• Received Gold Level Recognition with the EPA's Colorado Leadership Program