Green Facts

Owned by the Sports + Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, designed by acclaimed architect - Rafael Vinoly - and managed by SMG, the DLCC was built on an urban brownfield location. This included the location of the original Center, thereby reducing the cost of infrastructure improvements and providing existing public transit accessibility by light-rail, water and buses. Also, it was designed to conserve energy and natural resources.

The use of natural light and ventilation provides comfortable, environmentally friendly surroundings for events. Natural light is abundant at the Convention Center, where more than 75 percent of the entire building is naturally lit. The primary hall space of 236,000 square feet is 100-percent naturally lit by skylights and glass walls. Outside, the building uses reflective materials to capture existing city lights and reduce the amount of exterior lighting. The building's roof is designed with a natural ventilation system that allows natural fresh air to cool the building.

Water conservation is extremely important at the Convention Center. An on-site water reclamation plant recycles waste water from sinks, drinking fountains and faucets for use in commodes. Plants used in the Center's landscaping are all native to southwestern Pennsylvania, relying completely on natural rainfall and eliminating the need for irrigation. An aquifer located 50 feet beneath the Center provides water for the building's cooling towers, reducing use of the city's water supply. These features have proven a 66-percent reduction in purchased water.

The environment was considered even as the former Convention Center was torn down. Over 95 percent of the demolition waste from the original Center was recycled by crushing it into useful fill material.

Environmental factors also dictated where materials for the new Center were purchased. Fifty percent of the new materials were produced within 500 miles of Pittsburgh, requiring less travel time and therefore reducing the carbon footprint. In addition, post-consumer recycled content accounts for almost 10 percent of building materials.