GBTA Convention 2022 - Sustainability Initiatives

10 ways we make our event more sustainable

1. Offering recyclable and compostable box lunch packages
2. Working with catering to utilize local products and donate excess food or waste
3. Offering online registration and housing
4. Electronic proofing of badges prior to printing onsite
5. Increasing use of digital signage and monitors
6. Increasing use of the GBTA mobile app, and utilizing electronic mail for marketing and communication purposes
7. Providing recycling bins in various locations throughout the Convention
8. Encouraging exhibitors to recycle unused materials
9. Donating unused convention materials to local charities and/or schools
10. Contracting to work with sustainable service providers and facilities

San Diego Convention Center

By attending an event hosted by the San Diego Convention Center (SDCC), The Center of Hospitality, attendees support one of the most innovative, large-scale sustainability programs in the United States. The SDCC has demonstrated industry and community leadership by pioneering pathways for large venues to achieve continuously improving levels of sustainability stewardship. Below are some of the initiatives attendees can enjoy during their visit to the SDCC.

Walkability & Mobility

• Alternative Transportation Programs - Fostering visitor and building occupant use of multiple alternative transportation options to and from the SDCC

Food

• Center-to-Table Gardens - New indoor vertical gardens producing fresh, delicious vegetables and herbs from the Westwood Lobby. In partnership with Centerplate, our exclusive food service partner, the SDCC is proud to be a leader in innovative urban agriculture.
• Food Donations - Assisting clients who send over 25,000 pounds of food annually to local community organizations like Second Harvest of Central California, Christian Service Center, and the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
• Composted Food Waste - Food scraps that can’t be donated are recycled into electricity and fertilizer.
• Natural Gas - 85% use of natural gas for cooking in SDCC kitchens.

Energy

• District Energy Program – The SDCC is part of an innovative chilled water production agreement with OUC Cooling which provides energy efficient and environmentally friendly air conditioning to Convention District hotel participants.
• Renewable Energy - The SDCC campus provides five different solar energy programs used by clients and other stakeholders for demonstration, training and research.
• Building Efficiency - The SDCC incorporates natural lighting, advanced technology and employee ingenuity to achieve buildings which are 87% more energy efficient per square foot than similar buildings.

Water

• Low Impact Development - Aesthetically pleasing and innovative stormwater treatments are used on campus and redirected to natural waterbodies.
• Water Efficiency - Bathrooms use 15% less water than building codes mandate and 100% reclaimed water is used to irrigate the SDCC's 400-acre campus.

Waste

• Waste Reduction - SDCC works with clients and contractors to reduce event waste by 53% since 2004.
• Recycling Receptacles - Our recycling and waste bins on campus were made from used plastic milk jugs and 100% solar energy.

GBTA invites you to learn more about the sustainability efforts at the San Diego Convention Center here.