LEED Gold David L. Lawrence Convention Center: The Three Rs in 2006

The David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLLCC) was conceived from a design competition in 1999, which was won by Rafael Vinoly Architects, P.C..  After a few years of construction and phased openings, the large structure was completed in September 2003.  After receiving LEED Gold certification, the Pittsburgh structure became the world's first green convention center.  What's interesting, however, is that the DLLCC just released some statistics from 2006 detailing the building's operating performance. 

In their press release, the DLLCC explained its green performance within the framework of the 3 Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle): 

• Reduce - utilizing the natural ventilation system for 58 days, roughly 33% of Exhibit Hall's event days, eliminated the need for artificial heating and cooling;
• Reuse - reclaimed more than 4.75 million gallons of water via the water treatment facility and reused about 1,500 wooden pallets;
• Recycle - recycled 65,480 pounds of paper and cardboard (equivalent of 557 trees + 229,000 gallons of water) and 1,720 pounds of glass, plastic, and aluminum. 

General Manager of DLLCC, Mark Leahy explains, "These practices and results are reinforcing the community's belief that greening has a short and long-term positive impact on Pittsburgh and the region."  Exactly.  Yet another example of positive economics and green buildings. 

Comments

[Planet Relations]

Kudos for their accomplishments. The place is very functional too, having attended GreenBuild 2003 shortly after the center opened.