Last updated: April 2026
Table of Contents
Introduction
When selecting a venue for your next trade show or corporate event, sustainability credentials matter more than ever in 2026. A BizBash report from 2025 confirms that sustainability continues to be a top priority for organizers in selecting venues and destinations for their events.
But the motivations for that prioritization may be changing. As Exhibit City News memorably put it in a recent piece on how convention centers are embracing sustainability to control costs, “Sustainability is a strategy, not a luxury.”
When it comes to venue selection, LEED certification is an important signifier that a venue is serious about sustainability.
The designation covers a lot more than you might think. Energy efficiency, water conservation, and strong recycling are foundational to any green building operation, but LEED also rates indoor air quality, connectivity to mass transit, and how sustainable the site itself is. Taken together, these factors can go a long way toward offestting your environmental impact and improving your attendees’ event experience.
So where does Shepard fit in? As a GSC with seven branch locations and long-standing partnerships with venues and vendors in every major U.S. market, we are uniquely positioned to help you evaluate sustainability programs at all the major venues.
We work with the venues profiled here day in and day out, year after year. We know how critical venue selection is to the sustainable planning equation. We also know that sustainability is not something we do alone, but in partnership with like-minded organizations.
In 2022, we helped form a cross-industry task force that published the first comprehensive analysis of environmental impacts from U.S. and Canadian trade shows. That work showed us that reducing environmental impact requires looking at every aspect of trade show production, from venue selection to exhibit materials to post-event waste audits. That’s why we partnered with Honeycomb Strategies, a leading sustainable event planning consultant, to bring specialized expertise to every phase of your event.
A note before we begin: LEED is primarily a design and modeling tool, not a performance-measurement system. It recognizes improvements within each venue’s specific environmental constraints rather than guaranteeing outcomes. A Gold-certified venue in a desert climate and one in a water-abundant region may face vastly different sustainability challenges. Certification levels provide a valuable starting framework, but we encourage planners to seek out the experts in measuring outcomes aligned with your sustainability goals.
With that framework in mind, here’s what Shepard’s teams know firsthand about the 26 U.S. convention centers that have earned LEED certification, and what that certification means in practice for your event. Following the venue profiles, you’ll find practical guidance on venue selection, the business case for sustainability.
Understanding LEED certification for event venues
The certification system—stewarded by the Green Business Certification and developed by the U.S. Green Building Council— evaluates venues across these key categories:
Energy efficiency
LEED-certified venues demonstrate superior energy performance through efficient HVAC systems, LED lighting, renewable energy installations, and smart building management systems that optimize resource use.
Water conservation
From low-flow fixtures to rainwater harvesting systems and multi-use green roofs, these venues implement strategies that significantly reduce water consumption, an increasingly critical concern in many markets.
Waste management
This is an important category that budget-minded event planners will take note of. LEED venues maintain robust recycling, composting, and other waste diversion programs, often at reduced cost or no cost compared to conventional landfill disposal.
Indoor environmental quality
This means better air filtration, natural lighting, and low-VOC materials that create healthier spaces for attendees, exhibitors, and staff.
Location and transportation
This category addresses how people get to the venue, and encourages building in dense, urban areas near public transit, with opportunities for walking, biking, and other modes of transportation to and from buildings that cuts down on car reliance.
Sustainable sites
This one focuses on the venue’s immediate environmental impact. Many venues incorporate green roofs, native landscaping, and stormwater management systems to help with erosion control, reducing the urban heat island effect, and restoring native habitats.
The four levels of LEED certification
- LEED Certified: 40-49 points (basic level)
- LEED Silver: 50-59 points
- LEED Gold: 60-79 points
- LEED Platinum: 80+ points (highest level)
Understanding these levels helps you evaluate venues for your RFP process and communicate your event’s sustainability commitments to stakeholders.
Read on for an overview of the 26 U.S. venues that hold a LEED certification of Gold or above in 2026. The venue overviews are followed by tips on selecting a venue, the business case for sustainability, and how to take the next steps on your sustainable event planning journey!
LEED Platinum: The industry leaders and trailblazers
Walter E. Washington Convention Center (Washington, DC)
LEED Platinum | 2.3 million square feet
⚡ One of two U.S. conventions centers to hold both LEED Certification and WELL Health and Safety Rating
Located in the nation’s capital, the Washington Convention Center achieved Platinum through comprehensive green building strategies and ongoing operational excellence. At 2.3 million square feet, the venue’s scale makes its Platinum achievement particularly impressive.
Sustainable features:
- Green roof covering over 60k square feet
- Extensive daylighting throughout public spaces
- Advanced HVAC systems with CO2 monitoring
- Water-efficient fixtures and innovative stormwater management
- Comprehensive waste diversion programs
- WELL Health and Safety Rating: Addresses attendee health, wellbeing, occupant experience, air quality
The venue’s location in DC means strong public transit connectivity, reducing transportation-related emissions for your event, which can lower your event’s overall carbon footprint.
WEWCC’s WELL Health and Safety Rating makes it one of only two venues in the U.S. to hold both LEED and WELL certifications. (More about WELL Certification further down.)
Shepard's regional presence
David L. Lawrence Convention Center (Pittsburgh)
LEED Platinum | 313,000 square feet
Pittsburgh’s convention center made history as the first existing convention center to retrofit its facilities and achieve LEED Platinum certification. It’s a transformation that parallels Pittsburgh’s reinvention from a steel manufacturing hub to a postindustrial tech economy that punches above its weight in innovative startups. The facility’s sustainable design integrates seamlessly into its riverfront location, demonstrating that cities with a legacy of heavy industry can actually lead the shift to more sustainable events.
Sustainable features:
- Natural ventilation systems that reduce mechanical cooling needs
- Comprehensive use of natural light throughout public spaces
- Water conservation systems including green roof with rainwater collection
- Integration with Pittsburgh’s urban regeneration and green infrastructure
Moscone Center (San Francisco)
LEED Platinum | 504,000 square feet
San Francisco’s Moscone Center is a testament to the city’s pioneering environmental leadership. The facility’s 11-acre living roof and massive solar installation demonstrate how urban venues with limited space can maximize their sustainability impact.
Urban sustainability model:
- Green roof that provides insulation, reduces stormwater runoff, and creates green space with inspiring views of the city
- Solar array generating substantial clean energy
- Integration with SF’s efficient public transit system (BART, Muni)
- Water reclamation systems throughout the facility
- Comprehensive waste diversion achieving industry-leading rates
Oregon Convention Center (Portland)
LEED Platinum | 1 million square feet
⚡One of only 5 venues with both LEED and EIC Sustainable Event Standards Certifications
Portland’s convention center pioneered sustainable venue operations two decades ago, well ahead of the pack. Their initial LEED certification in 2004 and subsequent upgrade to Platinum established best practices and set a high bar for other venues to follow.
Sustainability innovation:
- First convention center to demonstrate sustainability at scale
- Comprehensive waste diversion programs that became industry models
- Early adoption of sustainable materials and green building practices
- Regional partnerships with environmental organizations
- Continuous improvement philosophy that keeps pushing standards higher
If you’re planning an event in the Pacific Northwest, the Oregon Convention Center’s two decades of sustainability experience means highly refined systems, deep institutional knowledge, and a culture where sustainable practices are the norm, not the exception.
Seattle Convention Center (Summit Building)
LEED Platinum | 1.5 million square feet
Seattle’s newest convention addition achieved Platinum certification through innovative design that addresses the Pacific Northwest’s specific environmental context—abundant rainfall, hydroelectric power, and regional timber resources.
Pacific Northwest innovation:
- Extensive use of reclaimed wood from regional sources, supporting local circular economy
- Sophisticated rainwater capture and reuse systems designed for Seattle’s climate
- Integration with city’s clean hydroelectric power grid
- Natural ventilation and daylighting that reduce mechanical system demands
- Green walls and sustainable landscaping featuring native plants
The Summit Building shows how newer facilities can achieve Platinum from the start, incorporating lessons learned from earlier pioneers, and integrating well with the local economy and eco-system.
LEED Gold: Proven sustainability at scale
The next cohort of convention centers have achieved LEED Gold certification, demonstrating that comprehensive sustainability is achievable at venues of all sizes and in diverse markets. These venues balance ambitious environmental goals with the operational realities of hosting major trade shows and events.
Georgia World Congress Center (Atlanta)
LEED Gold Certification | 1.5 million square feet of exhibit space, 3.9 million sq ft of total space across 3 buildings
As home to Shepard’s corporate headquarters, Atlanta holds special significance for us. We produced the first ever event at The Georgia World Congress Center in 1976, and have watched with hometown pride as the GWCC first achieved LEED Silver certification in 2014 and then reached for the Gold in 2017.
GWCC’s LEED Gold status recognizes the facility’s extensive energy conservation, waste-diversion, and other sustainability initiatives. And as one of the nation’s largest convention complexes, the facility’s scale makes its sustainability commitment impressive.
Sustainability leadership in the Southeast:
- Energy-efficient LED lighting throughout exhibit halls
- Building management systems that optimize HVAC operations
- Comprehensive recycling program covering cardboard, metals, plastics, and glass
- 602 tons of material diverted from landfills in FY14
- Strong partnerships with local waste management vendors and nonprofit partners for creative reuse
Atlanta’s climate means cooling costs can be significant, but GWCC’s efficient systems help control these expenses. The venue’s recycling program operates at competitive rates compared to landfill disposal, creating opportunities for cost-neutral waste diversion. Our team knows how to structure your waste management plan to maximize both environmental and economic benefits, and can also connect you with nonprofit who accept reuseable materials.
Shepard's HQ and regional presence
Los Angeles Convention Center
LEED Gold | 720,000 square feet
As one of the nation’s busiest convention centers, LACC demonstrates that high-volume operations and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. The venue has maintained LEED Gold certification for over 15 years, which demonstrates LACC’s ongoing commitment to sustainable practices and water conservation leadership.
Long-standing sustainability leadership
- One of the first major convention centers to achieve LEED certification
- Water conservation measures critical for Southern California
- Comprehensive recycling program for exhibitors and show management
- 2.58 megawatt solar array, one of the largest on a municipally owned convention center
- Strong partnerships with local environmental organizations
It’s important for planners to understand that California’s environmental regulations are the nation’s most comprehensive. LEED-certified venues in California must meet both national standards and stricter state requirements. This creates additional opportunities for sustainable event practices but also requires careful planning and knowledgeable local partners.
Shepard's Southern California branch presence
Anaheim Convention Center
LEED Gold Certification | 1.8 million square feet
Located in Orange County’s tourism hub, the Anaheim Convention Center underwent major renovations to achieve LEED Gold certification. The improvements demonstrate how existing facilities can be retrofitted for sustainability.
Renovation highlights:
- Complete building systems overhaul
- 2.4 megawatt solar array providing approx. 17% of energy needs
- Farm to fork initiative: sources all food from within a 120-mile radius
- Enhanced waste management infrastructure
San Diego Convention Center
LEED Gold Certification | 615,000 square feet
San Diego’s bayfront convention center combines spectacular location with environmental stewardship. The facility’s LEED Gold certification reflects the city’s broader culture of sustainability.
Sustainable features:
- Solar panel installations
- Efficient HVAC systems optimized for coastal climate
- Water conservation throughout operations
- Strong recycling and composting programs
- Integration with regional public transit
Shepard partners with Fill it Forward to make a difference at PCMA Convening Leaders
Mandalay Bay Convention Center (Las Vegas)
LEED Gold Certification | 2.1 million square feet
Las Vegas may not be the first place you think of when we talk about sustainability, but that reputation is changing. The city now offers three LEED Gold-certified venues that are designed for sustainability within the constraints of their desert setting.
Mandalay Bay’s defining sustainability features are its massive solar installation (generating approximately 20% of the resort’s power) and its water reclamation systems. This renewable energy integration directly reduces the carbon footprint of events held at the venue.
What sets Mandalay Bay apart:
- 8.3-megawatt solar array covering 20 acres of rooftop space
- Sophisticated energy management systems throughout
- Established recycling and composting programs
- Water reclamation systems for landscape irrigation
Shepard's Las Vegas branch presence
Caesars Forum (Las Vegas)
LEED Gold Certification | 550,000 square feet
Opened in 2020, Caesars Forum represents the new-wave of sustainable convention space in Las Vegas. The facility incorporates cutting-edge building systems and demonstrates that upscale features and sustainability can come in the same package.
Sustainable features:
- Advanced building management systems for energy optimization
- Water-efficient fixtures critical for dry conditions
- Comprehensive waste diversion programs
- Smart lighting systems that adjust based on occupancy and natural light
RE+ 2025: powering clean energy's future
ARIA Convention Center (Las Vegas)
LEED Gold Certification | 500,000 square feet
ARIA pioneered smart room technology in Las Vegas, with systems that automatically adjust temperature and lighting based on occupancy. While this technology is most visible in guest rooms, similar principles govern convention space operations.
Innovative sustainability approaches:
- Integrated resort-wide energy management
- Natural light integration in common areas
- Comprehensive waste tracking and diversion
- Water conservation systems throughout the property
It just goes to show that sustainability isn’t something we do alone (one of our take-away messages). With each new sustainable feature advanced by one venue, it becomes imperative for the others to catch up. This positive competition for sustainable bona fides benefits everyone.
Shepard's nonprofit partnerships reduce waste and support circular economy in Las Vegas
Orange County Convention Center (Orlando)
Comprehensive sustainability program:
- 2MW rooftop solar farm
- Water reclamation systems for irrigation and cooling towers
- Advanced waste diversion achieving 40%+ rates at major events
- LED lighting conversion throughout the facility
- LEED-certified hotel on campus (Hyatt Regency)
Shepard's Orlando branch presence
McCormick Place West (Chicago)
LEED Gold Certification | 2.6 million square feet (part of the 4-building campus totaling 10+ million square feet)
⚡One of only 5 venues with both LEED and EIC Sustainable Event Standards Certifications
The venue’s 100% wind energy offset represents a major sustainability achievement, and its rooftop farm produces enough hops to supply nearby microbreweries. These sexier initiatives are backed up by the venue’s connectivity with mass transit, putting McCormick Place in good stead with urban sustainability boosters. Put simply, McCormick Place has the most exhibit space of any venue in the U.S. and the West Building’s LEED Gold certification demonstrates sustainable operations at massive scale.
Large-scale sustainability:
- 100% renewable energy offset through certified wind renewable energy credits
- Rooftop farm producing 8k lbs of produce annually, including hops for local breweries
- 60%+ food waste diversion through Fight2Feed nonprofit partnership
- AI-powered waste sorting with OSCAR Sort technology and campus-wide composting
- Integration with Chicago’s efficient public transit system
Shepard's Chicago branch presence
Javits Center (New York)
LEED Gold Certification | 840,000 square feet
⚡One of only 5 venues with both LEED and EIC Sustainable Event Standards Certifications
The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center’s transformation following Hurricane Sandy demonstrates how climate resilience and sustainability can drive major venue innovation. The 2021 expansion achieved LEED Gold certification through comprehensive green building strategies, transforming this New York institution into one of the nation’s most sustainable large-scale urban venues.
Urban sustainability leadership:
- 6.75 acre green roof producing up to 40k lbs of produce annually
- Solar panels providing 10% of facility’s energy from renewable sources
- Four-story truck marshaling building for up to 200 tractor trailers, reducing street idling and emissions
- Strong waste diversion programs
- Integration with Manhattan’s robust transit infrastructure
Shepard's New York presence
Huntington Place (Detroit)
LEED Gold Certification | 2.4 million square feet
Detroit’s convention center combines the city’s industrial heritage with modern environmental stewardship. The LEED Gold certification represents significant investment in sustainability systems and reflects Detroit’s broader postindustrial transformation.
Sustainable features:
- Energy-efficient systems designed for extreme temperature variations
- Comprehensive waste management infrastructure
- Air conditioning uses grey water pumped from the Detroit River through chillers
- Induction lighting uses 50% less electricity in exhibit halls
- 10,000-square-foot living green roof
Shepard produces events throughout the Midwest from our Indianapolis and Chicago branches, bringing the same vendor networks and sustainability partnerships to Detroit that we bring to those markets.
Pennsylvania Convention Center (Philadelphia)
LEED Gold Certification | 1 million square feet
⚡One of only 5 venues with both EIC Sustainable Event Standards Gold and LEED Gold
Philadelphia’s convention center demonstrates how older industrial cities have made strides in LEED certification through operational efficiencies and strategic improvements. The venue’s location in central Philadelphia provides solid transit connectivity, while its central location within walking distance of dozens of food options makes it a standout for urban sustainability.
Urban sustainability features:
- 50% renewable energy offsets for all energy consumed
- Energy-efficient building systems
- Strong recycling and waste diversion programs
- Integration with SEPTA regional rail and subway
- Partnerships with Philadelphia environmental organizations and nonprofits
Shepard's East Coast presence
Charlotte Convention Center (Charlotte, NC)
LEED Gold Certification | 280,000 square feet
Charlotte’s convention center achieved Gold certification through comprehensive sustainable design and operational commitment, reflecting the city’s emergence as a major business hub.
Sustainabile features
- Energy-efficient building systems
- Strong waste management programs
- Integration with Charlotte’s growing light rail system
- Sustainable operations supporting the regional events market
Colorado Convention Center (Denver)
LEED Gold Certification | 584,000 square feet
Denver’s convention center brings Gold-level sustainability to the Mountain West, addressing the specific environmental considerations of its high-altitude and semi-arid climate. The Colorado Convention Center’s goal is to “erase the line between a ‘regular event’ and a ‘green event’ by making all events held at the Convention Center sustainable.” With a dedicated sustainability coordinator and partnerships across the destination, CCC delivers on that promise.
Sustainabile features:
- 300kw rooftop solar array generating 400,000 kWh annually
- Energy systems optimized for altitude and temperature variations
- Strong partnerships with Colorado environmental organizations
- Integration with Denver’s light rail system
- 75% reduction in landscape irrigation through native xeriscape along 14th St
The CCC’s initiatives are supported by the region’s broader sustainability culture. Denver is one of only 11 cities worldwide to achieve LEED Platinum certification through the LEED for Cities program. This ecosystem approach means venues, hotels, transportation providers, and vendors all work in coordination to support sustainable events.
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (New Orleans)
LEED Gold Certification | 1.1 million square feet
New Orleans’ convention center achieved Gold certification while addressing the unique challenges of a subtropical climate and coastal location. The venue demonstrates sustainability commitment in a market where hospitality and culture are more often front of mind.
Sustainable features:
- 40-acre cool roof that diverts heat and reduces urban heat island effect in neighborhood
- Energy systems designed for heat and humidity
- Comprehensive waste management programs
- Partnerships with regional environmental organizations
- Resilience planning for major storm impacts
George R. Brown Convention Center (Houston)
LEED Gold Certification | 1.8 million square feet
Houston’s flagship convention center is built to support events of all scales with efficiency and flow. Its walkable location in Avenida Houston, direct connections to hotels, and commitment to sustainable operations make it a standout in the region.
Sustainable features:
- Rooftop solary array generating 100-kilowatts
- 25% water reduction during the certification period
- Comprehensive waste management programs
- On-site hydroponic garden that spotlights the environmental impact of sourcing local produce
- Partnership with nonprofit to deliver excess food from events to local shelters and soup kitchens
Shepard's Houston branch
Palmer Events Center (Austin, TX)
LEED Gold Certification | 125,000 square feet
Nestled along the shores of Lady Bird Lake adjacent to Butler Park and Auditorium Shores, the Palmer Events Center brings LEED Gold sustainability to one of the country’s fastest-growing event markets. Palmer punches above its weight for events that don’t require full convention center scale, and its location adjacent to downtown Austin adds walkability to the event experience.
Sustainable features:
- 100% of electrical power is generated by wind turbines
- 50% of all waste diverted from landfills through comprehensive recycling, reuse and composting program.
- Wet pond system to manage stormwater runoff
- Walking distance to downtown Austin hotels and attractions
Austin Convention Center (Austin, TX)
LEED Gold Certification | 620,000 square feet
Currently closed for redevelopment — booking events for Spring 2029
⚡ On track to become the world’s first zero-carbon certified convention center
The Austin Convention Center closed in April 2025 to undergo a full rebuild. When it reopens in Spring 2029, it will offer 620,000 square feet of rentable space, double its previous capacity, and is targeting a LEED Platinum certification and Zero Carbon Certification—a combination no convention center in the world has yet attained.
What’s being built:
- Targeting LEED Platinum certification
- Pursuing Zero Carbon Certification from the International Living Future Institute
- 100% renewable energy
- Solar-ready roof system
- Advanced stormwater management
Music City Center (Nashville, TN)
LEED Gold Certification | 1.2 million square feet
Nashville’s Music City Center features one of the largest green roofs in the Southeast, demonstrating how sustainable design can be integrated into urban environments to capture rainwater for irrigation and help reduce the urban heat island effect in the surrounding neighborhood.
Sustainable features:
- 845 solar panels generating 343,000 kWh of renewable energy annually
- 4 acre green roof providing multiple environmental benefits
- Energy-efficient building systems
- Strong waste diversion programs
- Integration with Nashville’s downtown district
Salt Palace Convention Center (Salt Lake City, UT)
⚡ One of two U.S. conventions centers to hold both LEED Certification and WELL Health and Safety Rating
Salt Lake City’s convention center holds the distinction of having both LEED Gold status and a WELL Health and Safety Rating (more about WELL Certification further down), addressing both environmental sustainability and attendee health and wellbeing.
Dual certification approach
- LEED Gold: Environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, operational systems
- WELL: Attendee health, wellbeing, occupant experience, air quality
- Comprehensive approach to sustainable and healthy event spaces
- 3.85 acres of solar panels generating 1.65 MW of electricity, offsetting 17% of the facility’s energy needs
It’s worth pointing out that Salt Palace is alos one of only a few convention centers in the nation that generates Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) that events can purchase directly from the venue’s solar array to offset their carbon footprint.
LEED Silver: Foundation-level certification
These major convention centers hold LEED Silver certification, demonstrating foundational commitment to sustainable operations.
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center (San Antonio, TX)
LEED Silver Certification | 1.3 million square feet
San Antonio’s convention center achieved LEED Silver certification following a major 2016 expansion. The renovation integrated sustainable practices throughout the facility while addressing the specific challenges of the central Texas climate.
Sustainable features:
- Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems
- Water conservation measures critical for Central Texas
- Recycling and composting programs
- Sustainable materials in construction and renovations
Shepard's Texas presence
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (Boston, MA)
LEED Silver Certification | 2.1 million square feet
Boston’s massive convention center achieved Silver certification while managing the operational complexities of one of the nation’s largest facilities. The venue’s scale and Boston’s extreme seasonal weather variations make its sustainability commitment particularly impressive.
Sustainable features:
- Energy-efficient systems designed for heating and cooling extremes
- Waste management programs serving major trade shows
- Partnerships with regional environmental organizations
- Integration with Boston’s transit infrastructure
Our national network includes strong relationships throughout the East Coast. Boston’s convention market is highly competitive, and venues compete on sustainability credentials. We can help you leverage BCEC’s systems while developing programs that recognize and capitalize on Boston’s strong environmental awareness and complex local regulations.
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center (Dallas)
LEED Silver Certification | 490,000 square feet
Located on the shores of Lake Grapevine in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Gaylord Texan combines resort amenities with significant convention space. The facility achieved LEED Silver certification and holds a Green Key Global rating of 4 Green Keys, demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship within the hospitality sector.
Sustainable features:
- Energy-efficient lighting with LED systems in public spaces and meeting areas
- Xeriscaping with drought-tolerant native plants and smart irrigation systems
- Comprehensive waste management program
- Building management systems optimizing heating and cooling across facilities
- Part of Marriott International’s Serve 360 sustainability platform with property-specific carbon reduction goals
Shepard's Dallas-Fort Worth presence
Miami Beach Convention Center (Miami Beach, FL)
LEED Silver Certification | 1.4 million square feet
Miami Beach’s oceanfront convention center achieved Silver certification while addressing the unique challenges of a coastal subtropical environment. The venue’s sustainability programs must account for hurricane resilience, sea level considerations, and extreme heat and humidity.
Sustainable features:
- Energy systems designed for year-round cooling demands
- Water conservation in humid subtropical climate
- Waste management programs serving diverse international events
- Resilience planning for hurricanes and rising water levels
Tampa Convention Center (Tampa, FL)
LEED Silver | 600,000 square feet
Located on Tampa’s hotel-rich downtown waterfront, the Tampa Convention Center earned LEED Silver O+M certification in 2025. The Operations + Management pathway to certification reflects the venue’s commitment to continuously improving its systems.
Sustainable features:
- Overhaul of HVAC systems, including chiller and air handling infrastructure
- LED lighting upgrades and smart daylighting controls
- Strong recycling program and partnerships with organizations that accept material donations
Shepard's regional presence
Phoenix Convention Center (Phoenix, AZ)
LEED Silver Certification | 900,000 square feet
Phoenix’s convention center achieved Silver certification while addressing the extreme challenges of desert operations: intense heat, water scarcity, and high cooling demands. The venue’s sustainability commitment is particularly meaningful in one of the nation’s hottest and most arid climates.
Our national reach regularly brings us to Phoenix. We can help you develop programs that respect water constraints and leverage regional vendors who understand the particularities of desert operations.
Sustainable features:
- Critical water conservation measures: reduced potable water use for irrigation by 56%
- Energy systems optimized for extreme heat
- Waste management programs adapted to desert climate
- Partnerships with Arizona environmental organizations
Creative reuse across events
Beyond LEED: WELL, Green Key, and EIC's Sustainable Event Standards
WELL certification
WELL certification focuses specifically on health and wellbeing—air quality, lighting, nutrition, fitness, and mental wellness. But there is a distinction between a WELL Health-Safety Rating and the more comprehensive WELL Certification system.
WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating focusing on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans to address health concerns brought on by the COVID pandemic. It’s a streamlined rating specifically designed for health and safety protocols.
Full WELL Certification (Silver, Gold, or Platinum) is a more comprehensive certification that measures features of the built environment across seven core areas: air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind, requiring onsite audits and performance verification.
Currently, only two convention centers in the U.S. have achieved a WELL Health-Safety Rating and LEED Certifcation. They are:
- Salt Palace Convention Center (Salt Lake City, UT)
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center (Washington, D.C.)
Green Key Eco-Rating
Common in the hospitality sector, Green Key certification evaluates hotels and conference properties. If your event includes significant hotel components, look for venues with both LEED-certified convention space and Green Key-certified hotels.
Shepard and Honeycomb Strategies can help you evaluate venues using multiple certification systems and develop a comprehensive sustainability program that’s right for you.
EIC Sustainable Event Standards
Though not solely a venue certification, the Event Industry Council’s (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards is emerging as a holistic way of assessing events and industry suppliers on a wide range of sustainability criteria including:
- venue
- accommodation
- audio-visual and production
- destination
- event organizer
- exhibition services
- food and beverage
- integrated property
Learn more about EIC Sustainable Event Standards here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sustainable event planning terms and FAQ
What is WELL Certification and how does it differ from LEED Certification?
WELL Certification focuses on human health and wellbeing – air quality, lighting, nutrition, fitness, and mental wellness for participants. The framework was developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) to create spaces that enhance human health through features related to air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind.
LEED Certification focuses on environmental sustainability – energy efficiency, operational systems, water conservation, and reducing the carbon footprint of buildings. LEED certification is issued by the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) , which was established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to manage the certification and professional credentialing processes for the LEED rating system.
See our comprehensive Shepard guide to LEED certified trade show venues in the U.S.
What is a carbon-neutral event?
A carbon neutral event balances its total carbon emissions with an equal amount of carbon reduction or offsetting. Event planners achieve this by first measuring their carbon footprint (transportation, energy, catering, materials) and then reducing emissions where possible, or purchasing verified carbon credits to offset the remainder through programs like reforestation or renewable energy projects.
What is the circular economy?
The circular economy describes a shift to a model of production and consumption that aims to extend the life of materials as long as possible through reuse and repurposing. The net effect is a reduction of waste and increased energy efficiency.
How does the circular economy differ from the traditional economy?
The traditional linear economy is characterized by reliance on the extraction of virgin raw materials, short product lifespans designed for single use, and materials that are typically landfilled at the end of their short lifespan.
A more circular approach minimizes the use of raw materials by keeping existing products in circulation. This entails designing systems and products for longevity, repair, repurposing, and creative reuse.
What are the EIC Sustainable Event Standards?
A collection of sustainable event standards developed by the Events Industry Council to assess events and industry suppliers on sustainability criteria supporting environmental and social responsibility. They were created with input from over 300 subject matter experts across the events industry.
Who can get certified?
- Event organizers
- Venues and convention centers
- Industry suppliers (hotels, F&B providers, AV companies, etc.)
- Exhibitions and trade shows
What areas do the standards cover?
The standards specify performance criteria in nine key areas:- Organizational management
- Marketing, communications and engagement
- Climate action
- Water management
- Materials and circularity
- Supply chain management
- Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)
- Accessibility
- Social impact
What is daylighting / daylight harvesting?
These are both terms that describe lighting systems that automatically detect the amount of daylight avilable and turn off or dim artificial overhead lighting accordingly.
What is an ENERGY STAR rating and how does it differ from LEED Certification?
ENERGY STAR is a federal EPA program narrowly focused on energy efficiency. You may be familiar with the standard as it is applied to household appliances like refridgerators. The EPA program benchmarks a building’s energy consumption against comparable facilities of the same type and size. For example, a building with an ENERGY STAR score of 84 means it outperforms 84% of comparable convention centers on energy use. It’s a single-metric performance score.
LEED is a more comprehensive green building rating system that treats energy efficiency as just one of several categories. It also evaluates water conservation, waste management, indoor air quality, materials selection, site sustainability, and transportation connectivity. A building can be highly energy efficient but still fall short on LEED if its waste diversion is poor or its site has no transit access.
Cost considerations: The business case for sustainable venues
We said it at the top, but it bears repeating sustainability is a strategy, not a luxury. Shepard’s pragmatic approach means we understand both the environmental and business cases for sustainable practices, and how they are connected. In that spirit, here are some areas where selecting a sustainable venue can actually reduce your costs while advancing your sustainability goals.
Reduced operating costs
LEED-certified venues typically operate more efficiently, which can translate to competitive pricing on energy-intensive services like climate control and lighting. When evaluating venues, ask about energy costs and how their LEED features affect pricing.
Waste removal savings
Many venues charge less for recycling and composting than landfill disposal. A well-executed waste diversion plan can reduce costs while improving sustainability.
Sponsorship opportunities
Sustainability programs create new sponsorship categories. Companies seeking to demonstrate environmental commitment will pay for association with sustainable events. We can help you develop sponsorship packages around sustainability initiatives—from waste diversion programs to carbon offsets to community partnerships. Learn more about generating revenue through sustainability sponsorships here.
Attendee expectations
Event attendees increasingly expect sustainability considerations. LEED-certified venues help meet these expectations without requiring extensive custom solutions.
Return on investment
Sustainable practices increasingly drive measurable business outcomes, including cost savings and sponsor revenue. Through our partnership with Honeycomb Strategies, we can help you measure these outcomes and demonstrate ROI for sustainability investments.
Questions to ask when evaluating venues for sustainability
When reviewing venue options, ask questions to determine how serious the venue is about upholding the standard its LEED certification implies. You may also have sustainability goals in a particular area—such as wanting to give your attendees a transit-rich, walkable urban neighborhood experience beyond the venue—that could be best served by a particular venue/location.
These questions, covering venue operations, venue partnerships, and the sustainable planning process, will help prepare you to get the answers you need to make an informed decision.
Operations questions
- What share of waste does the venue currently divert from landfills?
- What are the cost differences between recycling/composting and landfill disposal?
- Does the venue have on-site sustainability staff to support planning?
- Does the venue provide exhibitor education resources? For example, signage and instructions on how to recycle and reuse materials.
- What renewable energy sources does the venue use?
- Is digital signage and wayfinding kiosks provided by the venue or my GSC?
- Is there a truck marshaling yard to reduce the number of trips needed from warehouse to venue?
Partnership questions
- Does the venue work with local organizations for material donation programs?
- What GSCs has the venue worked with successfully on sustainable events?
- Are there case studies from similar events we can review?
- What sustainability reporting can the venue provide post-event, if any?
- What union or labor considerations affect sustainable material handling?
Planning questions
- What lead time do you need for sustainability program planning?
- Are sustainable catering options available?
- Does the venue support carbon offset programs?
- What are the venue’s water conservation policies and programs?
- What transit options are available?
- Are there booth construction guidelines that support sustainability?
It is a lot to consider, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your GSC to help evaluate venues not just on their certification level but on their operational commitment, staff expertise, and willingness to partner on ambitious sustainability programs.
On the operations side, when you work with Shepard you benefit from our digital logistics tools to minimize storage costs and streamline labor. For large-scale events, we use truck marshaling yards to reduce the number of trips needed from warehouse to venue, which eases congestion and cuts down on emissions.
As a creative partner to exhibitors, we provide reusable booth options that tap into modern modular design principles to make exhibiting more sustainable while potentially lowering the total cost of ownership.
Start your sustainable event planning journey
As we’ve emphasized throughout this article, sustainability isn’t something any organization can achieve alone. It requires partnerships at every level, including venues, GSCs, vendors, and community organizations all working together.
Whether you’re planning a major trade show or corporate event and exploring venue options, talk to your GSC early in the planning process. Our seven branch locations provide deep local knowledge in key markets, but our national reach and decades of vendor relationships mean we deliver the same level of service and sustainability expertise everywhere we work.
Sources
- How convention centers are saving money through sustainability by Exhibit City News
- What’s new in event venues: unique wellness initiatives, new sustainability tools, and more by BizBash
- Finding the future, together Towards a more sustainable B2B trade show industry in the U.S. and Canada
- Sustainable events with Shepard and Honeycomb Strategies: a budget-friendly introduction
