The Vancouver Convention Centre is proud to announce that its iconic West building has been awarded LEED Platinum certification (version 4) for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance by the Canada Green Building Council. Coupled with its 2010 Platinum certification for New Construction, the Vancouver Convention Centre is the first double LEED Platinum convention centre in the world.
Platinum is the highest level of LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and version 4 is the newest version of the rating system, considered “the framework and benchmark for the next generation of green buildings.
“Congratulations to the Vancouver Convention Centre on attaining double LEED Platinum status. It is through achievements like this that we will enhance B.C.’s reputation as a destination of choice for national and international visitors, while providing a healthy, sustainable environment for all British Columbians,” says Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
This achievement was a result of a rigorous process to re-examine all areas of operations at the Convention Centre, including engagement with stakeholders, clients and retailers to identify opportunities for enhanced sustainable performance. Specifically, the facility earned its Platinum certification for excellence in the areas of: waste management, energy efficiency, indoor water use reduction, and facility maintenance and renovations among others.
“While the Vancouver Convention Centre was built to the highest environmental standard with features like our six-acre living roof, marine habitat and impressive green technologies, our commitment to the environment is more than the building, significant as it is,” says Ken Cretney, President and CEO, BC Pavilion Corporation. “When we opened our West building, we set out to be a global leader in sustainability to make a difference in our community and global industry. I am extremely proud of our team for its dedication and hard work to further our sustainability program, resulting in this prestigious second Platinum designation.”
“Congratulations to the whole team at the Vancouver Convention Centre for once again proving their leadership in sustainability by earning Canada’s first LEED v4 Platinum Existing Buildings certification,” says Thomas Mueller, President and CEO of the Canada Green Building Council. “Through the LEED v4 Platinum certification, the VCC team is ensuring that this world-class venue continues to be operated and maintained at the highest level delivering environmental and health benefits for years to come. At the same time the VCC is setting an example for convention facilities around the world while showcasing Vancouver’s commitment to environmental excellence.”
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building, community and home project types, LEED provides a framework to create healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement.
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