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Virginia can now boast a green convention center and ironically, it is the one of the youngest of the larger meeting venue in the state. The Virginia Beach Convention Center, which only recently opened, was the first convention center to be recognized as a Certified Virginia Green Facility. "The Convention Center's commitment to the environment is a well sought-after amenity by meeting planners looking to book their conventions," said James B. Ricketts, Director of the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Virginia Green is a program sponsored by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, and the Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association.  Virginia Green encourages all Virginia hospitality establishments—hotels, resorts, conference centers, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, parks, welcome centers, golf courses, wineries and attractions to implement policies to reduce negative impact on the environment.

According to Tom Griffin, Virginia Green Coordinator, more than 90 different venues, including five Conference Centers, have been recognized as a Certified Virginia Green facility, "But the Virginia Beach Convention Center can claim to be the first convention center to be so recognized," said Griffin. "But I’ve already gotten calls from several other convention centers in the state so I anticipate more will soon follow."

Virginia Green participants must meet the program's "Core Activities," which include recycling, minimized use of styrofoam and other disposable materials, and implementing policies that provide efficient water usage and energy efficiency.

Some of the prompting for the Virginia Beach Convention Center taking the going green fast track came from meeting planners. The venue, which hosted nearly 400 conventions, consumer shows, and community events in the last fiscal year, will host the annual national conference of the North American Association for Environmental Education in November, which is estimated to bring in nearly 2,000 delegates the venue. "NAAEE played a substantial part in encouraging the VBCC to look at things from a different perspective and pursue additional sustainability initiatives," said Courtney Dyer, General Manager, Virginia Beach Convention Center.

"Our organization looks to work with leaders in the conference field that support the green agenda we bring to the table," said Brian A. Day, Executive Director, North American Association for Environmental Education. "It has been a pleasure working with Mr. Dyer and the VBCC staff."

In reality however, the commitment to environmental policies long preceded the NAAEE booking the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, LLP (SOM), the building's award winning architects, in conjunction with their local partner, the Architecture & Engineering firm, Clark Nexsen, based in Norfolk, including energy efficient glass system that limits ultra violet light penetration in the large pre-function spaces.

"As engineers, our goal is to provide an energy efficient building and low power usage equipment that will enable the Convention Center to save on utility costs which translate into lower carbon emissions into the atmosphere," explained Chris Stone, President, Clark Nexsen.

George Efstathiou, Managing Partner with SOM, explained, "SOM's approach to sustainability and green design has been honed over 50 years and the Virginia Beach Convention Center typifies our holistic design approach for all building systems and materials."

The commitment by the Virginia Beach Convention Center to environmentally responsible practices include several policies. The building-wide recycling program is conducted through Tidewater Fibre Corporation and includes paper, plastic, aluminum and cardboard. In addition, the venue is now using recycled paper for promotional materials and the Food & Beverage department exclusively uses bio-degradable and recyclable material in concession stands. Housekeeping uses only "Green Seal Certified" cleaning products and equipment.

The Virginia Green program also has certified other Virginia Beachoperations including The Founders Inn and Spa, Croc's 19th Street Bistro, and the Oceanfront Inn. The Virginia Beach Hotel/Motel Association is expected to receive a special designation as a Certified Virginia Green Association. The CVB is actively involved in having a city-wide greening of its tourism, meetings and hospitality industry, encouraging restaurants, hotels and other establishments to follow the convention center’s lead. Eventually, as the majority of facilities are recognized by Virginia Green, the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau hopes eventually be able to brand Virginia Beach as a "Green Destination."

"Recent trends in the tourism and hospitality industry indicate that clients are more interested in doing business with environmentally conscious organizations," said Ricketts. "By conserving energy, reducing waste, and utilizing renewable resources, we are better able to serve our community and meeting planners."