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.

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.