Sustainability

Sustainability

The reimagined Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) is committed to supporting sustainability and climate change actions as part of its corporate social responsibility program, as well as resiliency initiatives in the City of Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County by incorporating environmentally friendly building features and sustainable business practices for all meetings, tradeshows, events, conferences, and conventions held at the Miami Beach Convention Center. 

Accessibility

The reimagined Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) is ADA compliant and committed to providing an...

Accessible

Donation Program

The Miami Beach Convention Center, its partners and contractors, invite you to participate in our...

Donation Program Transformation room

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC), we are dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion...

DEIB

Accessibility

The reimagined Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) is ADA compliant and committed to providing an...

Accessible

Donation Program

The Miami Beach Convention Center, its partners and contractors, invite you to participate in our...

Donation Program Transformation room

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC), we are dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion...

DEIB

Supplier Diversity Program

Our goal is to build and maintain an inclusive supplier diversity program that provides maximum...

MBCC Exhibit Hall during Art Basel

Muhammad Ali

Miami Beach hosted one of boxing's most iconic moments in sports history when Muhammad Ali...

Boxing ring at the Miami Beach Convention Center in 1964
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Sustainability Fact Sheet

The reimagined Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) is committed to supporting sustainability and climate change actions as part of its corporate social responsibility program. See all our green building features and sustainability programs.

Sustainability at the MBCC

Herb and Vegetable Garden Planting with Chef Samantha
The MBCC's Herb & Vegetable Garden

VENUE

Silver LEED Certification

The City of Miami Beach’s building codes require a silver LEED certification for all new public projects, and the new MBCC is Silver LEED-certified. 

Sustainability & Social Impact Foundations Certificate

The MBCC has been awarded the Events Industry Council’s (EIC) Foundations Certificate for Sustainability and Social Impact in 2023, as part of the EIC Sustainable Event Standards Program. The journey towards certification provides organizations and event professionals with a framework and transparent process to set and implement targets as well as a way to set and achieve community wide goals, drive ambition, and accelerate change.

       EIC Foundations Badge

Sustainability Guidelines for Events and Our Plan

Please find below the MBCC's current sustainability plans and information as part of the EIC Sustainable Event Standards Program.

  • MBCC Sustainability Fact Sheet
  • MBCC Sustainability Guidelines for Event (Policy)
  • MBCC Sustainability & Social Impact Plan

 

Download 

 

Sustainable Building Design

The Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) is the centerpiece to Miami Beach’s meetings, conventions, and tradeshow industry. Re-imagined in 2020, following a $640-million-dollar renovation, the expanded MBCC includes a new 60,000 square-foot Grand Ballroom, almost 500,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space, an expanded Grand Lobby, pre-function areas that are bathed in natural light, up to 84 breakout rooms, approximately 800 roof deck parking spaces. The team at nationally acclaimed Fentress Architects and Architectonica has collaborated to create state-of-the-art sustainable design and eco-conscious operational procedures. Builders used recycled materials throughout the building, with more than 20 percent of materials sourced locally in Miami and Florida. Ninety six percent of construction waste is recycled, and the project has so far diverted more than 38,000 tons of waste recycling. 

Exterior Architectural “Fins”

The MBCC is surrounded by elegant architectural “fins” that are both beautiful and functional, providing sun-shading along the exterior perimeter of the building.  Specially designed fin-like structures reduce the heat inside the facility, and bay lighting takes advantage of natural sunlight, high-efficiency units, and LED bulbs. This new design reduces energy consumption by 20 percent. 

Reduced Flow Water Fixtures

New water fixtures installed at the MBCC help manage water flow and reduce water waste. The most recent upgrade project provides for the installation of sensor faucets that are self-sustaining through hydropower with long battery life and the ability to recharge the battery with each use. These features help reduce energy consumption, while promoting environmentally friendly practices.

Reduced Electrical Consumption

In an effort to reduce electrical consumption, the new MBCC relies on daylight in the public spaces. The MBCC has also installed high efficiency LED lighting throughout the ballrooms, meeting rooms and public spaces. New occupancy light sensors throughout the building also reduce electricity consumption by automatically turning off lights in meeting rooms and ballrooms when the spaces are not in use.  

Critical Building Systems

All critical building systems (such as emergency generators, communication systems, electrical switchgear, electrical panels, and emergency responder radio enforcement systems) are being raised above new flood level requirements in response to rising sea-level concerns. The convention takes the possible impact of climate change seriously and has located all critical systems on the second floor (which is higher than most standard second floors because of the design’s raised-based elevation). 

Wastewater Reduction

Efforts have been made to reduce the amount of wastewater. 

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

The Miami Beach Convention Center offers electric vehicle charging stations to accommodate visitors with an eco-friendly transportation option. There are 20 stations available between the 4th and 5th levels of the parking garage and an additional two stations located at the North Loading Dock. These chargers, provided by Blink, require users to create an account for access.

Green Spaces

GREEN SPACE PROJECTS 

The entire MBCC campus encompass approximately 9 acres of new green spaces including a 5.8-acre park to the west (Pride Park), 2.8-acre Collins Canal Park to the north, and surrounding landscaping. The MBCC offers a 245% increase from the previous surrounding Convention Center Campus area and has 1,330 new trees (including 580 mangroves and other native vegetation lining Collins Canal Park). The commitment to greenery reduces heat effect by replacing 6.2 acres of asphalt with landscaping. 

The lush grounds outside are also sustainably designed. The project, which restores mangroves and other native habitats along the Collins Canal, is designed around a Strangler Fig Tree that has become the central focus of the outdoor space. 

Adjacent to the MBCC, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden offers a lush tropical oasis, enhancing the biodiversity and green spaces surrounding the convention center. 

HERB & VEGETABLE GARDEN

Recently, Chef Samantha worked with the back-of-house staff to build an herb & vegetable garden next to Rum Room on the Miami Beach Convention Center Campus, which began as a project to drive more sustainable practices in the kitchen. The garden currently holds 192 square feet of herb and vegetable beds and consists of organic soil mixed with compost from the convention center's composting program. The vegetables harvested will be used on the Rum Room and Venu menus and foliage will be added to table garnishes and decorations. Solar powered lights were installed on the wooden fence surrounding the garden.

 

CONVENTIONS C.A.R.E EVENT DONATIONS 

The Miami Beach Convention Center, its partners, and contractors, invite show organizers and attendees to participate in the “Conventions C.A.R.E” donation program to give back to the local community in Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County as part of the MBCC’s commitment to corporate social responsibility. 

While these shows and events produce millions of dollars in economic impact, they also often leave behind products which can be reused to benefit local non-profit organizations. The MBCC has launched a program called Conventions C.A.R.E. (Community Assistance by Responsible Events). The goal of C.A.R.E. is twofold, to benefit the non-profit community and to help the environment. In the past, we have been able to donate pens, paper, bags, cosmetics and beauty supplies, non-perishable food and beverage, clothing, and furniture to needy charities throughout the Miami region.  

 

RECYCLING & PLASTIC REDUCTION 

Single Stream and Aluminum Recycling

Sorted and processed off-site, single stream recycling offers an easy and efficient path to recycling for show management, exhibitors, and attendees. This includes cardboard, paper, plastic, and aluminum cans. Identified recycle receptacles throughout the venue are clearly marked with “mixed recyclables” or “single stream recycling”. Separate receptacles for aluminum cans are located throughout the venue.

Plastic-Free Miami Beach:

The MBCC is also supportive of the City of Miami Beach’s plastic-free campaigns. Plastic water bottle have been replaced with aluminum cans in all onsite vending machines and concession stands.

 

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION, FOOD DONATION AND COMPOSTING 

Sustainable Practices

Sodexo Live! formerly Centerplate, the exclusive food service provider for the MBCC, embraces sustainable solutions in line with the City’s resiliency goals.

Their focus on the environment entails three main commitments:

  1. Fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within their workforce and workspace.
  2. Sourcing responsibly and providing energy management services that reduce carbon emissions.
  3. Championing sustainable resource usage. Eco-friendly & Sustainable Food & Beverage Service

 

Serving tens of thousands of guests annually, Sodexo Live! employs eco-friendly service ware containing items made from both renewable resources and post-consumer recycled materials as well as compostable and biodegradable options and natural decor for catering functions. Sodexo Live! embraces waste reduction by designing menus that have plant-based options and reducing the carbon footprint as a core component of their business. Receptables at the MBCC’s food & beverage stations are made of cardboard and contribute to the “Single Stream” recycling process. Water bottle refill stations are also available throughout the MBCC to reduce plastic water bottle consumption. 

Food Donations Program

As a company, Sodexo Live! is dedicated to making the world a better place, meaning dining at the Miami Beach Convention Center is about more than just good food. The local team gives back to the local community by donating tens of thousands of pounds of prepared but unused food annually to The Caring Place, Miami Rescue Mission, and Food Rescue Miami to both help others and divert food waste from local landfills. Outside of that, it collects food scraps for composting, recycles cooking oils to prevent additional waste and is a proud participant in the Plastic Free Miami Beach initiative, operating with zero single-use plastics and only serving items with compostable, reusable, or recyclable cutlery, cups, and dishware. 

Introducing a Composting Program

Sodexo Live! embarked on a composting partnership with a local composting provider for its organic, plant-based waste from meetings and conventions. This program allows food waste to go back to the soil, support local farmers, protect biodiversity and fight climate change.

  

CURRENT SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS IN PROGRESS 

  • Enhanced “Green Initiatives”
  • “Astrapto Food Recovery & Waste Reduction” training, assessment and program
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Committee with focus on sustainability, staff events and community volunteering
  • Events Industry Council’s (EIC)’s “Sustainable Event Professional Certificate” for staff
  • Building a robust sustainability plan that meets meeting planners and show organizers’ current and future requirements
  • Participating in OVG360’s and Sodexo Live!’s corporate sustainability programs
  • Potential Venue Upgrades & Initiatives:
    • Rainwater Harvesting
    • Solar Tube Installation
    • Chilled Water Distribution
    • Electricity Programs to further reduce the carbon footprint 

 

HEALTH & WELLBEING 

GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation

In 2020, the Miami Beach Convention Center earned GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council® for implementing processes and systems that minimize the risk of spreading disease. Furthering its commitment to the health and safety of all guests and employees, the venue exceeds Miami Beach’s “MB Standard”. The MBCC is kept clean with EPA-registered disinfectants, touch-free surfaces in bathrooms and a high-efficiency air purification and filtration system. The MBCC leadership recognizes that a final, most important part of this initiative is open communication with anyone who interacts with the venue. 

Indoor Air Quality

The MBCC continues to operate with higher rates of air filtration, ventilation, and fresh air intake. New High Efficiency MERV filters have been installed and maintained for all HVAC equipment. The MBCC has established protocols to increase HEPA filter replacements to vastly reduce any potential airborne pathogens and contaminants. The MBCC has permanent HVAC technicians on staff who are equipment certified, trained, and closely monitoring the systems. Furthermore, the center is making all equipment adjustments to the HVAC systems in compliance with CDC Guidelines such as increased air flow where needed, pre-filtered outside air adjustments, increased inspections, and detailed trending of such systems to benchmark its operations. The MBCC is proud to have received GBAC (Global Biorisk Advisory Council STAR Facility Accreditation in recognition of enhanced venue health and safety measures.

 

Sustainability at the MBCC