Green Convention Center

Initiative Objective

Sometimes being green is just good business, and that is the case with the Convention Center. Recent data shows that 55% of conference organizers now demand a venue that minimizes participants’ environmental impact.  So the fact that the Convention Center will meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standards will not only save on operating costs over time, it will help attract visitors to the area.  Some of its features include: a highly efficient heating and cooling system, water efficient landscaping and fixtures, plenty of daylighting, regional materials from sustainable sources, and on-site storm water infiltration that reduces polluted runoff to the river.  Federal grant money will pay for a 60kW solar electric system that will also be used as a teaching tool for New Mexico State University students.