PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC) is proud to announce the Platinum recertification under the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (LEED O+M) rating system. Platinum is the highest level of certification issued by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) under the LEED rating system — and the DLCC has received it twice!
“We are delighted that the David L. Lawrence Convention Center has been recertified Platinum. This designation reflects the continued commitment to sustainability, green innovation, and reuse that can be found throughout our city, county and region,” said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “The Center’s namesake was an early environmentalist in our community who focused on addressing smoke control and emissions through creative partnerships to find a way forward for our community. It’s fitting that his vision continues to lead us.”
“This is exciting news for the city of Pittsburgh as it provides yet another excellent opportunity to demonstrate Pittsburgh’s environmental transformation as we continue to lead the country in sustainability,” said Mayor William Peduto. “The Convention Center was the first to be LEED Gold certified when it opened in 2003 and was also the largest green building in the world at that time. With Platinum recertification, we continue to be a leader economically, socially and environmentally. We are proud of this award and are committed to continuing in our role as responsible stewards.”
“Achieving certification to the industry’s highest global standard is clear proof of our commitment to sustainability,” said Tim Muldoon, general manager of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. “We are proud to take the lead in advancing the Convention Center’s responsible environmental and social practices and are once again honored that Pittsburgh is being recognized as a sustainable meeting destination.”
Building on its 2012 LEED O+M Platinum designation, the DLCC achieved LEED O+M Platinum again in 2017 through cooperation between the Sports and Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County (SEA), SMG, Levy Restaurants, Veolia North America, and many others who help the DLCC run successfully on a day-to-day basis. The DLCC received points in categories such as energy efficiency as a result of smart upgrades that made the building more sustainable, while effectively utilizing the daylighting and energy saving features built into the original design. The DLCC earned additional points by conserving water through an innovative water reclamation system and the use of filtered aquifer water, while having the added benefit of reducing the load on the city’s stormwater system. This multi-disciplinary teamwork forms the heart of the DLCC’s sustainable impact and continued LEED success.
The DLCC is the first convention center to achieve LEED O+M Platinum twice, as well as LEED Gold for New Construction. The Center’s 55,000-square-foot green roof is used as programmable event space – another attribute that contributes to the sustainable commitment of the building.
“Pursuing the LEED Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance recertification at the Platinum level shows the David L. Lawrence Convention Center’s continued commitment by operating the world’s first LEED Gold certified convention center in the most efficient way possible,” said Senator Wayne Fontana, chairman of the Sports & Exhibition Authority.
“Market transformation happens one building at a time. The David L. Lawrence Convention Center clearly understands the value of LEED and has exemplified extraordinary leadership in reshaping the convention industry,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, USGBC. Through the recertification process to reach LEED Platinum, the David L. Lawrence Convention Center continues to show its commitment to producing sustainable events. The Center is truly a leader in waste, water and energy conservation.
In addition, the Convention Center has received the APEX Level II Certification from the Green Meeting Industry Council™ for meeting environmentally sustainable benchmarks for environmental performance in meetings and events.
About David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC)
Completed in 2003 and owned by the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County (SEA), the DLCC is located in downtown Pittsburgh’s cultural district, within steps of theaters, museums, sport venues, galleries and restaurants. The SEA contracts with SMG for the professional management of the Convention Center. Fulfilling the SEA’s mission to develop first-class sports, entertainment, recreational, and convention venues to benefit Pittsburgh’s economy and improve quality of life, the dynamic architectural design is like no other–breathtaking views, open terraces, and a suspended roof structure. As the first LEED Gold certified convention center under the LEED for New Construction rating system, some of the sustainable and efficient features include: a natural ventilation system, abundant natural daylight, a water reclamation system, and an extensive recycling program.
About U.S. Green Building Council
The USGBC is a nonprofit 17,000 membership organization whose vision is a sustainable built environment within a generation. Its membership includes corporations, builders, universities, government agencies, and other nonprofit organizations. www.usgbc.org
About LEED
Contact:
Conor McGarvey, LEED AP O+M DLCC, 412-475-1622, cmcgarvey@pittsburghcc.com
Simona Loberant, LEED AP O+M SEA, 412-325-3009, sloberant@pgh-sea.com
