Two Centers Go Greener

Maybe it is easy being green. In recent weeks, the Phoenix Convention Center received its LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) silver certification, while the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority announced plans to install what officials said will be the largest array of single-building, roof-mounted solar panels in the United States at the Atlantic City Convention Center.

Phoenix Convention Center's West Building, which opened in 2006 and was designed and built to achieve LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use, received its official silver certification in May, according to Lexie Van Haren, director of communications for the center. A formal dedication ceremony was held June 19.

“I am so proud of this certification representing our commitment to protect the environment,” said Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon. “This investment will bring countless benefits to Phoenix and will help us sustain our great quality of life for generations to come.”

Some of the elements that helped the Phoenix Convention Center achieve the certification included high-efficiency irrigation that reduces potable water consumption by 56 percent, environmentally sound paints and materials, a facility-wide recycling program, an underground parking facility and energy-efficient roofing materials.

The ACCVA said it awarded Pepco Energy Services a 20-year contract to install solar panels on the roof of its convention center. Pepco Energy will build, own, operate and maintain the solar panels for the ACCC. In return, the center will purchase the electricity generated by the panels from Pepco.

The 2.35-megawatt rooftop solar power system will cover 290,000 square feet, roughly two-thirds of the convention center's main roof.

“With each step we take, the ACCVA continues to embrace green initiatives and stand at the forefront of the environmental movement,” said Jeffrey Vasser, ACCVA executive director.

Construction on the project began in June and is scheduled to be completed before the end of the year. The panels are expected to generate 26 percent of the convention center's electricity, according to the ACCC.

“This is an example of the kind of initiatives we hope to see as we transition to the sale or trade of solar renewable energy certificates to pay for solar projects,” said Jeanne Fox, president of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.