Orange County Convention Center
As a premiere meetings and events destination, and one of the largest LEED certified convention centers in North America, the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) prioritizes and promotes sustainable practices. The Center’s sustainability achievements can be credited to its dedicated sustainability team that provides an array of environmentally-friendly services that develop and nurture the community.
Energy Efficiency
The OCCC campus provides a one-megawatt solar farm that generates enough energy to provide a year’s worth of electricity to approximately 100 Florida homes every year. The solar farm is also used by clients and other stakeholders for demonstration, training and research. Aside from harvesting solar energy, the OCCC also offers energy efficiency by incorporating natural lighting, advanced technology and employee ingenuity to achieve buildings which are 87% more energy efficient per square foot than similar buildings.
Waste Diversion from the Landfill
The OCCC provides a robust recycling program for diverting paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and aluminum. The Center also provides composting services where waste is removed, processed into compost and donated to local farms.
Butterfly Garden
In efforts to make the region a more sustainable and resilient place to live, the Center prioritizes the ecosystem by ensuring pollinator-friendly landscaping throughout the campus. This aids the Center’s Monarch Butterfly Conservation Garden made of 1,000 square feet of consecutive garden space dedicated to the preservation of Monarch Butterflies.
Donations to Community Organizations
OCCC clients are encouraged to take advantage of the charitable donations advisement and coordination services offered. The Center’s Sustainability Coordinator also provides a list of local organizations with interests in post-event donations, including food, water, furniture, supplies and more.
Community Outreach
By working with various community organizations, such as Urban Smart Farms and O-Town Compost, the OCCC is able give back to residents as well as community volunteering give-back programs.