The 2017 Green Venue Report included data from 66 convention and exhibition centers across 16 countries. The report compares green venue performance and highlights sustainability trends across a wide range of areas, from energy efficiency to food & beverage. Here are some key takeaways.
Green certifications are on the rise
Achievement of a third-party green certification was reported by 86% of venues. LEED continues to be the most common green certification, followed by APEX/ASTM certification. LEED Performance Score is a streamlined certification pathway that is gaining popularity among convention centers.
The business case for venue sustainability is strong
The 2017 survey asked venues to share examples of financial successes in three key areas; energy, water, and waste. From LED lighting upgrades to retrofitting plumbing fixtures, venues are reporting strong financial returns. All venues reported that data collection and analysis are a key factor for identifying improvement opportunities and tracking financial success.
Staff are trained to sell their sustainability program
Attracting new business and increasing revenue is a primary goal of all successful sustainability programs. Of the survey respondents, 83% of venues reported that sales staff are well versed in their venue’s sustainability practices and/or green meeting options.
Venues are developing event-level environmental impact reports
Submetering event spaces provides the ability to invoice clients based on actual usage and measure event-specific environmental impacts. A growing number of venues can provide event-level energy (64%) and water (45%) use reports. Additionally, 74% of venues can provide event-level waste diversion reports.
Waste generated by events is directly charged to event organizers
To reduce waste generation, 52% of venues charge event organizers directly based on waste tonnage or by the number of waste container “pulls” generated by the show. Approximately 25% of venues provide economic incentives to reduce waste sent to the landfill.
Venues continue to reduce food waste
Planning the precise volume of food needed for attendees helps to control costs and minimize waste, making food management a critical component of event catering. Of the respondents, 77% of venues have food waste management programs that track food production waste, overage, and spoilage. Over half of venues (56%) donate food to local charities on a regular basis at no additional expense to event organizers.
About the Green Venue Report
The Green Venue Report is an industry-wide initiative to provide benchmarking data, identify trends and best practices, and stimulate competition in global convention center sustainability. Each spring, Greenview distributes a survey through their online portal. Their comprehensive report is released each summer.