Letter to the Editor: Phoenix Is Going Green Too

Michael Hart -- Tradeshow Week, 4/30/2007

Dear Editor:

Re: "LEEDing the Revolution" (April 16, 2007):

I read your article this morning regarding convention centers seeking LEED certification. I wanted to follow up as the new Phoenix Convention Center is currently seeking LEED certification for our West Building, which opened last August. We have submitted for the designation and will be undergoing the evaluation later this summer. In addition, we've incorporated multiple "green" elements into the construction of the new North Building (opening January 2009) and into our daily operations. Some of those efforts include:

• The construction team has implemented a construction waste management program to reduce waste items sent to landfills.
• Sand and stone material excavated from the construction site have been recycled and reused in new construction projects throughout Arizona.
• By using construction materials from within a 500-mile radius, crews have been able to reduce fuel usage and bolster growth in the local economy.
• The convention center's comprehensive recycling program includes the collection of paper, plastic, cardboard and glass materials. In 2006, we recycled nearly 220 tons of material.

Finally, our food and beverage service provider, Aventura, has begun incorporating several "green" practices into their own operations:

• To reduce waste, Aventura uses reusable cutlery, dishware, linens and decorations.
• Water is not pre-set for meals unless requested.
• When possible, locally produced seasonal and/or organic food (including fair trade coffee) is used.
• Leftover food is donated to a local food bank or soup kitchen when possible.

I hope this will be useful for any future coverage on the topic. Thank you for your consideration.

—Paul J. Peterson, Public information officer, Phoenix Convention Center

Please send letters to Editor in Chief Michael Hart (by mail) Tradeshow Week, 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 120, Los Angeles, Calif. 90036-5804; (by e-mail) hartm@reedbusiness.com ; or (by fax) (323) 965-5306.