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Sustainability

 

Green Initiatives

 

Here at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, we’re experts of enjoyment. Virginia Beach knows how to masterfully have a great time and it just wouldn’t be fair to keep that a secret. Allow us to welcome you into our home. We pride ourselves in being the nation’s first convention center to earn LEED® Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Our eco-friendly, state-of-the-art building can handle meetings and events of any capacity. As a part of the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, a visit to the Virginia Beach Convention Center will transform you into a local in no time. Located only minutes from the beach and resort area, we have all the perks of coastal charm and big-city amenities at our fingertips. Enjoy our expansive variety of hotels, entertainment, shopping and dining.

We’ve got everything ready for you – see you soon.

 

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Recycling

  • The following items are collected in pre-function spaces, offices, meeting rooms, exhibit halls and all back of house spaces. Commingled materials are compacted and transported to an offsite recycling facility.
    • Glass and plastic bottles.
    • Aluminum, tin and steel cans.
    • Paper, cardboard and chipboard.
  • Mercury is captured from proper disposal of fluorescent lamps via an onsite disposal system.
  • Battery recycling from all hands-free plumbing devices, computer accessories, etc.
  • Used cooking oil is removed from the site and recycled. 
  • Steel, copper, aluminum, concrete and cinder blocks were recycled from our old convention center during demolition and some were reused as fill material in construction of our new center.

Energy Reduction

  • High efficiency Heating & Air Conditioning (HVAC).
  • Lighting & HVAC systems programmed based on event schedules to minimize usage during non-peak times.
  • Timers and motion sensors that turn lights off when rooms are unoccupied.
  • Individual thermostats for meeting rooms and office spaces.
  • Extensive use of natural lighting.
  • Thermal-rated windows and insulation.
  • Energy efficient glass system that limits ultra violet (UV) light penetration in the large pre-function spaces.
  • A program has been initiated to upgrade incandescent lamps to more energy efficient compact fluorescent lighting or LED lighting.
  • Non-essential items turned off when spaces not in use such as escalators, video walls and similar items.
  • Tracking overall energy bills with established goals to reduce energy usage.

Water Efficiency

  • Tracking overall water usage and wastewater.
  • High efficiency dishwashers.
  • Microfiber technology mops.
  • Low flow restrictors on faucets.
  • Hand sinks and soap dispensers with motion sensors. 
  • Effective landscape management plan which utilizes drought tolerant species, metering and rain gauges, and minimizes lawn areas.
  • Effective storm water management with vegetative buffers around storm ponds.
  • Automated irrigation system measures rain and limits irrigation demand.
  • Minimization of impervious areas (paving, concrete, etc.).

Waste Reduction & Environmentally Friendly Practices

  • Food Services
    • Eliminated the use of Styrofoam.
    • Use dishware and glassware to minimize use of disposables.
    • Concession stand disposable containers are made from:
      • Bio-based materials.
      • Compostable.
    • Use water stations to minimize the use of single-use bottles.
    • Food overages are donated.
    • Food waste is composted.
    • Effective food inventory control to minimize wastes.
    • When available, purchase locally-grown produce and other foods.
    • Onsite seasonal herb and vegetable garden.
  • Office/Purchasing
    • Purchase recycled-content paper towels and toilet tissue.
    • Purchase from vendors and serves providers with commitment to the environment.
    • 2-sided copies/printing.
    • Use electronic correspondence and forms.
    • Purchase recycled content paper.
    • Purchase of durable equipment and furniture.
  • Maintenance
    • Uses low or no VOC Latex Paint.
    • Proper recycling and/or disposal of thinners and solvents.
    • Aggressive carpet maintenance program to maximize the life of carpets.
    • Preventative maintenance of all appliances, HVAC systems, plumbing, and vehicles. 
    • Last-in/first-out inventory and effective labeling systems.
    • Minimize use of pesticides and herbicides (integrated pest management practices).
    • Use of environmentally-friendly housekeeping products including the following:
      • Recycled content paper products.
      • Microfiber cloths and mops that are washed on site for reuse.
      • "Green Label" vacuums and floor scrubbers for improved indoor air quality.
      • Green Seal certified cleaning products.