ATLANTA
The Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) was recently awarded LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a rating system for the design, operation and maintenance of green buildings. The GWCC is now the world’s largest LEED-certified convention center. With 3.9 million square feet, the GWCC is also the 14th largest LEED-certified building in the world.
The facility, located in downtown Atlanta, first opened in 1976 with a total of 750,000 square feet. The fourth and final phase of construction of the building was completed in 2002 bringing the total square footage up to the current 3.9 million, including 1.4 million of exhibit space.
“Our staff has worked diligently to green our event practices, reduce our environmental impact, and preserve our facilities for future generations," said Frank Poe, executive director of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), the State Authority that governs the GWCC, Georgia Dome, Centennial Olympic Park and manages the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center. "This recognition solidifies our leadership role in our industry and demonstrates our commitment to the community.”
In Fiscal Year 14, the GWCC diverted over 275 tons of single-stream recyclables, 119 tons of organics for composting, donated over 58 tons of food to local organizations, baled over 27 tons of cardboard and diverted a total of 602 tons of material from landfills.
The GWCC is a sponsor of the GMIC (Atlanta Branch), a participant in the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge and a member of the US Green Building Council. It is approximately 27% more energy efficient than an average building of similar size and characteristics.
With its central urban location, recent installation of an electric vehicle charging station, and employee incentives, 47% of regular employees have reduced commutes to the building and therefore limit the transportation-related air quality issues by using mass transit, car or vanpooling, compressed work weeks, and telecommuting.
The Georgia World Congress Center Authority—which includes the 3.9-million-square-foot convention center, the 71,250-seat Georgia Dome, and the 21-acre Centennial Olympic Park—ranks among the top five largest convention destinations in the country.
