Case Study: Convention Center

Client: 

Convention Center

Location: 

California, USA

Sustainability Goals:

Obtain LEED O+M Recertification 

Overview:

The client needed to perform a waste audit to better understand total daily waste generation, percentage of waste diversion from landfill, waste stream contamination, and material types generated during a fully booked conference event, including 5,000 in person attendees. 

The results were that in a 24-hour period, the conference center generated nearly 10,000 pounds of waste, of which only 15% of the waste generated was diverted from landfills. 

What We Delivered:

• Waste Audit, material characterization, material and contamination quantification

• A LEED Waste Audit Report with detailed metrics, charts, and photos for all waste streams

• Qualitative & quantitative analysis of materials generated, operational procedures observed, and more

• Actionable recommendations for onsite teams to reduce waste, increase diversion, and improve upon current operations

• Analysis of local laws and regulations around waste, including organics and food waste 

Top 5 materials generated:

During the audit, the most common material types were:

1. Food waste (30.8%)

2. Paper towels (14.1%)

3. Cardboard (11.4) 

4. Hard Plastics (4.7%)

5. Recoverable/ Reusable Items (3.6%)

Top sources of contamination: 

1. Only 17.6% of food waste was properly placed in composting stream, with predominate contamination by visitors/ attendees in front-of-house bins (FOH)

2. 0% of paper towels were properly placed in composting stream 

3. 3.6% of total waste generated was liquids which cause contamination in landfill and recycling streams 

Top success stories: 

1. 100% of Source-separated (SS) Cardboard was properly recycled

2. Back of house (BOH) team successfully diverted food scraps into compost stream

Summary:

Convention centers are one of many facility types that deal with many transient and different types of activities and occupants in a short time period. Additionally, a fast-paced operation is crucial for the business.  We recognize that efficiency, convenience, and user experience are top priorities for convention centers. Considering these factors All About Waste has recommended the following initiatives to improve waste management efficiency: 

• Upstream Opportunities:  

• Work with vendors to promote waste reduction by improving supply chain of foodware, materials brought to site (e.g. expo booths), and products sold

• Create and implement policies that have clear language about waste diversion and sustainability goals

• Explore the use of smart bins (e.g. AI sorting Trashbot), TVs, and dynamic signage to engage with visitors

• Implement standardized bins and signage throughout the convention center, including centralized waste bins across front of house (FOH) with a minimum of three waste streams: landfill, mixed-recycling, compost  

• Training & Awareness: 

• Promote ongoing education campaigns on their website (such as this example from the LA Convention Center) 

• Provide recurring training opportunities for onsite, back-of-house staff on operational best management practices for zero waste 

• Downstream Infrastructure: 

• Adjusting waste collection infrastructure at each loading dock as upstream recommendations are implemented, in order to match the anticipated generation of waste per stream

• Data Management, Analysis & Verification: 

• Track and measure all the sustainability initiatives implemented

• Develop a customized tracking system to manage waste, including: measuring waste reductions, cost reductions, and carbon emissions. Consultants can assist by analyzing and implementing zero-waste programs at the facility and with stakeholders.