Oregon Convention Center Achieves Highest Level of International Sustainability Standard Certification
August 15, 2014
The Oregon Convention Center has been certified to the highest level of a new international sustainability standard.
OCC achieved Level Four certification for the ASTM Standard pertaining to the evaluation and selection of venues for environmentally sustainable meetings, events, trade shows and conferences.
The venue standard is one of nine standards introduced by the meetings, conventions, exhibitions and events in industry in 2012 to provide event planners and suppliers with specifications for producing events in a more sustainable manner.
“We are proud and excited to be the first convention center to attain Level Four of the ASTM Venue certification,” said Scott Cruickshank, executive director of the OCC.
He added, “Certification to the industry’s global standard at its highest level is further evidence of OCC’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.”
Earlier this year, the convention center earned LEED Platinum re-certification as an existing building, and, in 2013, it was re-designated a Salmon Safe facility based upon its design and use of storm water runoff.
“This is great news for the Oregon Convention Center and all of us working to make Portland a more sustainable destination choice for convention planners,” said Jeff Miller, president and CEO of Travel Portland, the destination and marketing organization for Portland.
Travel Portland obtained Level One certification to the ASTM Destination Standard in 2013.
The ASTM Venue Standard delineates the procedural requirements for venue selection – the practice of researching, evaluating and choosing the facility for an event.
The standard states specific performance criteria for staff management, communications, waste management, energy, air quality, water, procurement, and community partners. The standards were created in partnership with ASTM International, an ANSI-accredited standards development organization.
iCompli, a division of BPA Worldwide, a non-profit international auditing organization headquartered in Shelton, Connecticut, development the certification protocols for ASTM standards and performed the independent third party certification of OCC’s compliance with the venue standard.
“Our certification of the event sustainability standards driven by GMIC and now adopted by the Oregon Convention Center continues our long-standing partnership with the event industry to promote transparency,” said Glenn Hansen, CEO of BPA Worldwide.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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