Moscone Center Awarded Prestigious LEED Platinum Green Building Certification

San Francisco (Oct. 27, 2023) – San Francisco’s Moscone Center announced it has been awarded LEED Platinum certification for Existing Building Operations and Maintenance, the highest level of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This makes San Francisco the only city in the world to have the most advanced LEED Platinum certification for both its convention center and airport.

Managed by ASM Global, the world's leading venue-management company and producer of live-event experiences, Moscone Center has long been a leader in sustainable practices and generates fewer carbon emissions per visitor than any other major convention center in North America. In 2019, following the completion of Moscone Center’s $551 million expansion program, the new Moscone North and South complex received the highest-scoring LEED Platinum certification for New Construction in the world for a convention center. With the recertification by USGBC, the entire facility, including Moscone West, is LEED Platinum certified. San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is also owned and operated by the City and County of San Francisco, became the first airport in the world to achieve airport-wide LEED Platinum certification in September 2022.

“We have always centered sustainability in our operations and business practices, and LEED Platinum certification is a milestone achievement that demonstrates the success of these efforts,” said Ken Bukowski, Director of Convention Facilities for the City & County of San Francisco. “Sustainability is built into the fabric of San Francisco’s infrastructure and psyche, and with this certification we’re proud to carry on this commitment as we continue to lead the way toward a greener future.”

Moscone Center is set in the heart of one of the greenest cities in the world, and sustainability is at the core of its operations — encompassing everything from food and beverage options to recycling, composting and donation programs that divert waste from landfills. In addition to rooftop solar panels spanning Moscone South’s two roofs that provide the center with approximately 19% of its power, Moscone North and South have a greywater treatment system that recovers 15 million gallons of water annually for reuse in landscaping, street cleaning and toilet flushing.

“Sustainability has become a priority for meeting planners as they work to ensure their events embrace environmental stewardship. Moscone’s LEED Platinum certification offers our customers a new standard of sustainability and reinforces our commitment as a destination to lower our environmental impact,” said Joe D’Alessandro, San Francisco Travel Association’s president and CEO.

LEED is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence. Through design, construction and operations practices that improve environmental and human health, LEED-certified buildings are helping to make the world more sustainable. Moscone Center achieved LEED v4.1 O+M: Existing Buildings Platinum, with a score of 82, via recertification.

U.S. Green Building Council

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a healthy, resilient and equitable future for all through the development of green buildings, cities and communities. For more than 20 years, USGBC has been advancing green building practices through the development of LEED, the world’s most widely used green building program. With the support of thousands of members, volunteers and partners, USGBC provides robust green building education courses, a rigorous professional credentialing program, and advocates for effective public policies. It convenes an international network of green building and sustainability leaders through the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and forward-thinking programs, including the Center for Green Schools. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

San Francisco Travel

The San Francisco Travel Association is the official destination marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco. The city is one of the top tourism and meetings destinations in the U.S. and received 21.9 million visitors in 2022. Total tourism spending in 2022 exceeded $7.7 billion. The tourism industry is the largest generator of outside revenue into San Francisco’s economy and supports over 53,000 jobs.

For information on reservations, activities and more in San Francisco, visit www.sftravel.com

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San Francisco International Airport

SFO is excited to welcome travelers back to the skies with an airport experience featuring seamless access, thoughtful amenities, sustainable design and inspiring artwork and exhibits.

For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps and details on shopping, dining, cultural exhibitions, ground transportation, masks and COVID-related protocols and more, visit https://www.flysfo.com/. Follow us on twitter.com/flysfo and facebook.com/flysfo.

United Airlines is the preferred airline of the San Francisco Travel Association.

ASM Global

ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management—delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. asmglobal.com.

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