Orange County Convention Center
As a premier 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
Located on top of its North-South Building, the OCCC houses a two-megawatt rooftop solar array. The solar farm generates energy to be 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 87% more energy efficiency per square foot, compared to buildings of similar size.
In February 2025, the OCCC partnered with IDEAS For Us for an award-winning, historic sustainability initiative – The Great Solar Giveaway. This collaboration successfully donated 5,800 decommissioned solar panels from the roof of the North-South Building. More than 120 residents participated in the event, keeping the panels out of landfills and allowing them to be repurposed for innovative clean energy projects across Florida.
Additionally, the OCCC, in partnership with the Orlando Utility Commission (OUC), is home to a high-speed electric vehicle (EV) charging station. The addition of OUC’s ReCharge Mobility Hub, located near the OCCC’s North Concourse, offers seamless, hassle-free charging for residents, visitors and event attendees. With user-friendly interfaces and fast-charging capabilities, the hub makes it easier than ever to travel sustainably in Orange County.
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 an effort 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. Part of these efforts include the upkeep of the Center’s Monarch Butterfly Conservation Garden, a nationally registered Monarch Waystation made of 1,000 square feet of consecutive garden space dedicated to the preservation of Monarch Butterflies.
Donations to Community Organizations
By working with various community organizations, such as Second Harvest Food Bank, A Gift for Teaching, Habitat for Humanity, and more, the OCCC is able give back to residents through donations given from events hosted at the Center. OCCC clients are encouraged to take advantage of the charitable donations advisement and coordination services offered by the Center’s Sustainability team. Together, they will work with customers to provide a list of local organizations with interests in post-event donations, including food, water, furniture, supplies and more.
Community Impact through Food & Beverage
In partnership with its food and beverage provider, Sodexo Live!, the Center works with local organizations to implement sustainable practices across the OCCC. The Center-to-Table Gardens features 81 indoor aeroponic grow towers that produce over 50,000 lettuces and herbs annually. In collaboration with Sodexo Live!, the OCCC is proud to be a leader in innovative urban agriculture.