The Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) is marking 10 years of its Green Team. The group helps guide sustainability work at the Philadelphia venue.
Green Team reaches 10 years
PCC formed the Green Team in June 2016. The goal was to expand its sustainability work and help event clients with planning.
Since then, the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority has invested in energy-saving upgrades. It has also expanded recycling, conservation work, and systems that track environmental performance.
The center holds several sustainability credentials. They include Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) v4.1 Operations and Maintenance: Existing Buildings Silver certification. PCC also holds Events Industry Council (EIC) Venue Sustainable Event Standards Gold certification and Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation.
John McNichol, president and chief executive officer of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, says the Green Team helps PCC support clients and the local community.
Sustainable events grow
In 2025, PCC hosted 14 sustainable events. During those events, the Green Team helped clients with waste sorting, recycling, utility use, waste tracking, and reporting.
Now, PCC expects that number to nearly double in 2026. The center says more show organizers are making sustainability part of their event plans.
Corey Clark, director of events and experiences at Honeycomb Strategies, says PCC’s programs help clients because the systems are already in place.
“The sustainability programs at the Center are well thought out and carried out as a part of normal operations, rather than initiated only if the client asks,” says Clark.
PCC plans more upgrades
Next, PCC plans headhouse lighting retrofits, phase two of a digital signage project, and an herb garden. Aramark, the venue’s food and beverage partner, will lead the garden project.
Tony Hodgins, regional general manager for Legends Global, says the work reflects support from PCC’s main partners. Legends Global manages the venue.
The Pennsylvania Convention Center is located in Center City Philadelphia and is managed by Legends Global. The venue hosts meetings, conventions, tradeshows, and other events. For more info, visit www.paconvention.com.
Press release submitted by the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Edited by Exhibit City News for clarity, length, and style.
