submitted by Jude-Anne Phillip, PA Convention
Pennsylvania Convention Center is proud to announce that it has achieved Gold Level certification for the Events Industry Council (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards.
The EIC Sustainable Event Standards are specific standards for environmental and social responsibility within the events industry. Created by the EIC Sustainability Committee in partnership with industry professionals and leading sustainability practitioners, the requirements provide event planners and suppliers with prescriptive actions for producing and delivering sustainable events.
“Earning the EIC Gold Level certification is a significant achievement for the Pennsylvania Convention Center,” said Tony Hodgins, general manager, ASM Global. “The Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority and ASM Global are both committed to achieving the sustainability and social impact goals of the ASM Global Actscorporate social responsibility program, and we are thrilled that the hard work our team has put into maintaining the Pennsylvania Convention Center’s position as a leader in sustainability and social responsibility, is being recognized by the EIC.”
The standard specifies performance criteria in the areas of organizational management, marketing, communications and engagement, climate action, water management, materials and circularity, supply chain management, diversity, equity and inclusion, accessibility and social impact. The Venue standard is one of seven comprehensive standards for environmentally sustainable meetings.
Amy Calvert, EIC CEO, added: “Responsible environmental and social practices in the events industry is a global concern. We are delighted to see a major exhibition facility such as Pennsylvania Convention Center step up and make a commitment to sustainability.”
BPA iCompli Sustainability, a division of BPA Worldwide, a nonprofit international auditing organization headquartered in Shelton, CT USA, developed the certification protocols for EIC Sustainable Event Standards and performed the independent third-party certification of the Pennsylvania Convention Center’s compliance with the Venue standard.
“Our certification to the event sustainability standards created by EIC, and now adopted by the Pennsylvania Convention Center continues our long-standing commitment to promote transparency in the events industry,” said Richard Murphy, president and CEO of BPA Worldwide.
Through the collaborative efforts of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority and ASM Global, the Pennsylvania Convention Center is a proven industry leader in sustainability. In 2022, the venue reported that 100.62 tons of C&D materials, 10.38 tons of E-waste and U-waste, and 13.45 tons of retired assets were collected for recycling; the daily purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs) was increased to 50 percent, and 60 percent of waste was diverted. The Center’s 2011 expansion and renovation achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Learn more about Pennsylvania Convention Center’s sustainability initiatives and green meetings.
About the Pennsylvania Convention Center:
The Pennsylvania Convention Center is located in Center City Philadelphia at the heart of the city’s many cultural offerings and world-class dining and entertainment scene. Managed by ASM Global, the Center is the 14th largest facility in the nation and features one of the largest exhibit spaces and ballrooms in the Northeastern U.S. The meetings, conventions, trade shows, and other events hosted by the Center attract attendees from across the country and around the world to Philadelphia, making the facility the largest economic driver of the region’s hospitality industry. For more information, visit www.paconvention.com.
About ASM Global:
ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management—delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn andTwitter. For more information, visit www.asmglobal.com
About Events Industry Council:
The Events Industry Council’s more than 30 member organizations represent over 103,500 individuals and 19,500 firms and properties involved in the events industry. The Events Industry Council’s vision is to be the global champion for event professionals and event industry excellence. It promotes high standards and professionalism in the events industry with the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program and signature program activities. The CMP credential is recognized globally as the badge of excellence in the events industry. The qualifications for certification are based on professional experience, education, and a rigorous exam. The four signature programs – Sustainability and Social Impact, Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX), Knowledge and Leadership – represent the key initiatives, assets, services and products for the Events Industry Council. Learn more at www.eventscouncil.org.
