Energy Efficiency

2012 Energy Highlights:

• In 2011 our 300kw roof top solar array generated 377,149 kwh of energy for a total of 1,186.3 MWh to date
• Continual retro-fit of lighting throughout the building
• Conversion of 2,448 meeting room, street level, and lobby lights to LED resulting in the following annual savings:
  • Energy Savings: 540,447 kWh
  • Cost Savings: $48,640
• 3,712.5 metric tons of CO2 emissions prevented
• Installation of VFD's (Variable fan drives on major HVAC systems)
• 11% reduction of energy use compared to 2010
• Retrofit hot water pumps produced the following annual savings:
  • Energy Savings: 162,348 kWh
  • Cost Savings: $72,717
  • 284.93 metric tons of CO2 emissions prevented
• Retrofit Air Handler motors resulting in the following annual savings:
  • Energy Savings: 162,348 kWh
  • Cost Savings: $146,144
  • 57.23 metric tons of CO2 emissions prevented
• Solar Array generated 1.6 million kWh of energy to date and 392 megawatt hours of energy this year
• According to Energy Star, the Colorado Convention Center is currently 27 percent more efficient than the national average convention center

Waste Reduction & Diversion

2012 Diversion Highlights:

• 3 Waste Stream System of Compost, Recycle, Landfill
• Waste Diversion rate from landfill of 57%:
  • 307,739 lbs material donated for reuse of repurposing
  • 681,001 lbs of materials recycled
  • 280,120 lbs of material composted
• Recycled over 6,107 lbs of paper, saving the equivalent of:
  • 52 Trees
  • 21,350 Gallons of Water
  • 12,505 kWh of Energy
  • 15 Cubic Yards of Landfill
• Recycled 8,260 lbs of steel
• Recycled 1,420 lbs of wiring
• Conversion to compostable service ware for Centerplate operations
• Replaced paper towel dispensers with Dyson Airblade hand dryers to reduce towel consumption
• Compost bins are located in all lobby areas and large food functions

Water Conservation

• Continual evaluation of plumbing fixtures and landscape practices
• Retrofit of all toilets, urinals, and sinks to low-flow and dual flush models
• Estimated to reduce water usage by approximately 30% annually
• Use of sub-meters to allow leaks and other inefficiencies quickly

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
• Overall reductions of 1,962,674 lbs of CO2 through power generated by Solar Array
• Located within walking distance of 8,400 hotel rooms

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.
• Awarded (3) Champion for the Environment Awards to convention center employees for their continued leadership
• The CCC created the nation's first sustainable convention center farm. The Blue Bear Farm has over 5,000 square feet of growing space including two beehives and is projecting to grow 3,600 pounds of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs in its second year.
• As part of the CCC's reclamation efforts, they donated leftover conference materials to numerous non-profits, including: RAFT, Mission Ware, Resource, and Bolder Path.
• In one month alone, 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.
• Maintained LEED Certification practices in support of certification in 2010
• EMS ISO 14001 Certification
• In December received the APEX/ASTM Certification and achieved Level 1 Certification for a Venue (E2774-11). The Colorado Convention Center is the first venue to receive this certification.
• Received Gold Level Recognition with the EPA's Colorado Leadership Program
• Maintained EMS 14001 certification through the City and County of Denver