Sustainability
The Minneapolis Convention Center strives to be the best facility possible for our clients, our staff and the entire community. Part of that mission includes integrating a no-waste mentality. This mindset has become the cornerstone of our sustainability program.
We are committed to using our resources responsibly and assisting our customers in achieving their sustainability goals for meeting and conventions. The Minneapolis Convention Center maintains Gold Level certification to the Event Industry Council Sustainable Events Standards. These sustainable event standards are a collection of eight specific standards that assess events and suppliers on a wide range of sustainability criteria in support of environmental and social responsibility.
Energy
The Minneapolis Convention Center offsets energy usage 100% with solar and wind power. 2,613 of 600 KW rooftop solar panels provide on-site green sourced energy. High speed doors have been installed to reduce energy loss during event load in and load out activity. Building HVAC and lighting systems are continuously upgraded with efficient control and fixtures.
Water
The Minneapolis Convention Center diverts an estimated 5.4 million gallons of runoff rainwater annually from the river and redirects it to our underground storage system for the facility’s irrigation. Kitchen areas and restrooms have been upgraded with fixtures that use 50% less water. A pollinator park was installed to help the bee population in our urban environment
Waste
Front of house recycling stations recycle cardboard, paper, organics, cans and bottles, pallets, cooking oil, table cloths, sheet plastic, shrink wrap, carpet, wood, aggregate and landscape debris. All waste centers in the back of house allow staff to recycle over 60% of all waste. All single use food containers and utensils used onsite are compostable. Up to 4 tons of food is donated each year. Non-consumed foods go to local non-profit organizations like People Serving People. Up to 160 tons of organics and food scraps are used for hog feed and composting. Used grease is recycled for biodiesel and soap.
Stamped Green & Certified Clean
The MCC has received LEED v4 Certification for Existing Building Operations and Maintenance by the U.S. Green Building Council.
The MCC’s sustainability initiatives have earned us a Gold Level certification to the Events Industry Council Sustainable Events Standards
The MCC’s Urban Meadow Plaza was awarded Silver certification under the Sustainable SITES Initiative rating system for achievement in landscape sustainability. The MCC Plaza is the nation’s first SITES certified project to be located at a convention center and the first ever SITES certified project in the Upper Midwest.
Additional Initiatives
Air Quality
Minneapolis Convention Center promotes a no idling policy for all trucks loading in or out of the center. Smoking is not permitted within 25’ of any entrance. Internal air quality is monitored and recorded to maintain a safe environment for attendees.
Environmental Purchasing
Food served at the Minneapolis Convention Center is sourced locally whenever possible. Almost all cleaning products used in the Minneapolis Convention Center are Green Seal Certified. Floor care equipment uses Orbio Split Stream and Blended Stream Technology which converts water, electricity and a small amount of salt to clean surfaces without chemicals.
Transportation
Most staff commute to work by bike, public transportation, or carpool. Minneapolis has Nice Ride bike sharing system and bike racks are available near most building entrances. Metro Transit provides a free shuttle to link the Minneapolis Convention Center to downtown hospitality and the light rail. Light Rail Transit connects Minneapolis with the airport, Mall of America, Saint Paul and 43 other stations.
Community Partnerships
Leftover food is donated to People Serving People. Leftover event items are donated to a variety of local organizations. Staff members team up to provide a variety of services to charitable organizations.
Pollinator Park
Pollinator Park, located on the east side of the building, features an array of flowers to promote pollination. This park is irrigated using the water from the stormwater catch system.
Rooftop Solar Panels
Thousands of 600 KW rooftop solar panels provide on-site green sourced energy.
Rainwater Catch System
Stormwater Catch System holds up to 5.4 million gallons of rainwater annually, preventing runoff into the Mississippi River and redirecting it to our underground storage system for the facility’s irrigation.
Compostable Food Containers & Utensils
All single-use food packaging and utensils are compostable
Bottle Filling Stations
The building features over 40 bottle filling stations, not including staff areas
Urban Meadow Plaza
The 2.5-acre MCC Plaza is built on top of an underground parking deck, surrounded by an urban meadow planted with prairie grasses and wildflowers. It is downtown’s largest pollinator refuge. Designed by for environmental sustainability, the Plaza also includes native tree and plant species, and irrigation utilizing the MCC’s stormwater capture system. In 2022, the Plaza was awarded Silver certification under the Sustainable SITES Initiative rating system for achievement in landscape sustainability. The MCC Plaza is the nation’s first SITES certified project to be located at a convention center and the first ever SITES certified project in the Upper Midwest.
Green Team
The MCC sustainability committee offers clients opportunities to enhance their environmental efforts, one of which is the Green Team. Comprising MCC employees, the Green Team provides event support, assisting in the organization and separation of waste and recycling during significant move-ins and move-outs. Their involvement not only raises the recycling rate for events but also serves as a tangible representation of our unwavering commitment to sustainability.
