WASHINGTON, D.C.—Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., has been awarded LEED Platinum certification. Developed by U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED certification is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and is an international symbol of excellence.
“Achieving LEED Platinum took a lot of hard work, but we strive to be the greatest convention center in the world and have the highest quality of service for our customers,” says Events DC president and CEO Angie M. Gates. “I am thrilled to add our LEED Platinum certification to the city’s roster and make Washington, D.C., a leader in LEED-certified spaces. I thank the Events DC team for working tirelessly to execute on our commitment to sustainability and excellence.”
Walter E. Washington Convention Center achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in areas including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. Green buildings allow companies to operate more sustainably and give the people inside them a healthier, more comfortable space to work.
The convention center reduced its energy use by 25,306,767 kBtu—equivalent to removing approximately 440 cars from the road for a year—by upgrading its lighting, heating and cooling systems, and other efficiencies. With newly integrated water efficiencies throughout the facility, water consumption was reduced by 3.79 million gallons, enough to fill approximately six Olympic-sized swimming pools.
“LEED certification is the ultimate recognition of global green building leadership, signaling a space has undergone rigorous third-party verification and meets the highest green building standards,” says Peter Templeton, president and CEO of USGBC. “The success of LEED is due to the partnership and support of those committed to advancing green building and sustainability. Each new LEED certification brings us one step closer to revolutionizing the spaces where we live, learn, work, and play.”
