(665a) Sustainable Design and Operations At the David L. Lawrence Convention Center

In 2003, the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC) received a Gold rating under the LEED for New Construction rating system, making it the first convention center to receive LEED certification. At that time, the DLCC was also the world’s largest green building at 1.5 million square feet. From the early stages of design through current operations, the DLCC has remained committed to sustainability. In order to demonstrate the sustainable operations of the facility, the DLCC registered under the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (O&M) rating system and was certified Platinum in April 2012. The DLCC is the first convention center to receive two LEED ratings.

Concurrent with the LEED for Existing Buildings: O&M documentation process, the DLCC underwent a “building in operation” study that examined building performance, facility management, occupant satisfaction, and organizational sustainability. A thorough set of analyses contributed to the findings, including quantitative and qualitative assessments of energy, natural ventilation, water, site, transportation, waste, purchasing, commissioning, occupant comfort, and indoor air quality.

This session will provide an overview of the case study findings and the LEED for Existing Buildings: O&M process for the host facility of the AIChE Annual Meeting, including specific strategies and lessons learned.