The Future is Green for the Monterey Conference Center
Green certifications targeted for 2009 will open the doors to Monterey Bay’s premier “green meeting” facility
NEWS RELEASE
DATE: March 5, 2009
CONTACT: Dan Concepcion, Monterey Conference Center Manager (concepci@ci.monterey.ca.us)
PHONE: 831.646.3770
MONTEREY, Calif. – the award-winning Monterey Conference Center, nationally lauded for the scale and quality of its facilities and excellence of service, is adding comprehensive environmental practices to its extensive suite of visitor benefits.
Recognizing that energy conservation and waste reduction is at the forefront of national and global agendas, Monterey Conference Center has set the bar for its own performance and certification as a green meeting facility. Targeted for completion in 2009, the Center will attain Green Business Certification (GBC) through the Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency, and Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) silver level certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).
The local Green Business Certification will focus on the integration of recycling, energy and water conservation, and waste/pollution reduction practices in the Conference Center’s daily operations. The LEED certification is an independent, nationally adopted benchmark that will validate Monterey Conference Center’s compliance with the highest levels of green building performance.
“We’re fully embracing sensitivity to the environment and sustainable practices at all levels of our operation,” said Dan Concepcion, Conference Center General Manager. “There’s a lot of ground to cover, and we’re fortunate to have a premier green building partner, Ausonio Inc., expertly coaching us through the LEED certification process and helping us to implement new policies.”
Ausonio Inc., a leading provider of green building methodology, was recognized for its innovative green construction techniques that yielded the prestigious platinum level of LEED certification for the Chartwell School in Seaside, California. Ausonio LEED Accredited Professional, Joe Piedimonte, is working with Monterey Conference Center to facilitate a series of workshops tailored to the Center’s unique certification requirements, including Indoor Air Quality, Environmentally Preferred Purchasing, Sustainable Sites, Green Cleaning, Recycling Waste and Building Maintenance.
This is just the beginning of the green journey for Monterey Conference Center. Next up is an evaluation of the Center’s food and beverage service, and how organic ingredients, compostable waste, and sustainable flatware has been incorporated into the overall dining experience.
About the Monterey Conference Center
Since 1977, the Monterey Conference Center (www.montereyconferencecenter.com) has welcomed conventions, meetings and events with exceptional service and facilities. Adjacent to the spectacular Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the Center’s three levels house a 19,600 square foot exhibit hall, grand ballroom, 494-seat theater and executive boardroom. Contemporary galleries, terraces and banquet facilities accommodate small and large groups up to 1,700. And, from coordination to catering to setup and technical support, the Center’s professional staff ensures flawless, memorable events. The Monterey Conference Center is located in historic downtown Monterey, just minutes from the Monterey Peninsula Airport and steps from leading hotels, restaurants and attractions.
For more information, visit www.montereyconferencecenter.com or call 1-800-314-5502.
Note to editors: For high-resolution photos of the Monterey Conference Center, contact Dan Concepcion concepci@ci.monterey.ca.us or 831.646.3770.
