Baltimore, MD (May 21, 2019): On May 20th the Baltimore Convention Center was one of five applicants to receive recognition for the 2019 Maryland Green Registry Leadership Award. The award was presented by the Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary, Ben Grumbles. Winners were chosen based on their commitment to continuous improvement and environmental results achieved over the past year.
Accepting the award on the Baltimore Convention Center's behalf were Phil Costa, Director of Client Services and Charles Schlagenauf, Director of Operations for Centerplate at the Baltimore Convention Center. Phil and Charles were chosen to receive the award based on their deep commitment to the
Food Waste Reduction Pilot Program.The recognition was based on achievement with food waste reduction, material re-use, green procurement practices, and staff training. In 2018 more than 3,000 pounds of food waste was diverted from the landfill through new waste reduction strategies. Over 75,000 pounds of food was donated to the Maryland Food Bank and other local nonprofits while 5,500 pounds of food scraps were donated to a local farm for animal feed. On average the farm donations resulted in savings of $200-$300 per week for the local farm.
Through partnerships with local organizations like Second Chance, The Loading Dock, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, and The Teacher Supply Swap the Center donated approximately 33 tons of material including furniture, building supplies, and other useful items.
Staff received training in waste reduction, food donation, and recycling protocols including workshops with industry partners who do business with the Baltimore Convention Center. The Center is committed to the procurement of GreenSeal cleaning products, recycled-content paper supplies, and food service items made from bio-based, renewable and compostable materials.
The Baltimore Convention Center is dedicated to building, implementing and expanding on an innovative environmental management system that sustains the needs of the Center's daily operations, meets the standards of the City of Baltimore's sustainability efforts, and serves to educate and benefit staff, industry partners and clientele on the importance of the reduction of our carbon footprint. The cornerstones of our environmental policy are: Waste Reduction and Diversion, Energy Conservation, Water Quality and Consumption, Air Quality, responsible procurement processes, continuing education, and involvement with the community.
Use this link to discover more information on the
Baltimore Convention Center's Sustainability Program.