The Phoenix Convention Center held a ceremony announcing that the convention center’s West Building has been awarded LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. (left to right) Jay Green, Director, Phoenix Convention Center, Phil Gordon Mayor of Phoenix, Arizona, and  Steve Moore, President, Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau.
One of the most highly anticipated convention center projects in the Southwest has now been declared green. The West Building of the Phoenix Convention Center has been awarded LEED  (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, the highest distinction in the leading rating system for designing and constructing the world’s greenest, most energy efficient, and high performing buildings. The West Building opened in June 2006 and is part of an expansion of the city’s convention center, which began in 2004, and once completed, will triple the size of the Phoenix Convention Center to nearly 900,000 square feet of meeting, exhibit and event space. The West Building was designed by Leo A Daly and HOK to achieve LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies, including recycled construction materials and location next to public transportation.  “I am so proud of this certification, representing our commitment to protect the environment,” said Phil Gordon, Mayor of Phoenix. “This investment will bring countless benefits to Phoenix and will help us sustain our great quality of life for generations to come.”