In 2014, the Oregon Convention Center became the first convention center to attain Level 4 of the APEX/ASTM Green Meetings certification. This program, established by the Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC) and verified by the independent iCompli auditing organization, provides the first standards specifically for green meetings and events. Level 4 is the highest certification awarded under the program.
The Oregon Convention Center recently applied to GMIC for re-certification and was officially granted it in May.
“Being re-certified at APEX/ASTM Level 4 confirms OCC’s continued commitment to its environmental policies and practices,” says sustainability coordinator Ryan Harvey. “And it shows that we understand the need to collaborate closely with our clients to make every event as green as possible.”
iCompli criteria for Level Four of the ASTM/APEX Standard involves an "evaluation and selection of venues for environmentally sustainable meetings, events, trade shows, and conferences" in the areas of staff management, communications, waste management, energy, air quality, water, procurement, and community partners.
The criteria and standards were created in partnership with ASTM International, an ANSI-accredited standards development organization.
The GMIC program provides venues with a roadmap for planning sustainable events, helping vendors and guests practice green habits, and working with their community to support the environment.
The Oregon Convention Center is owned by Metro and managed by the Metro Exposition and Recreation Commission. OCC is a LEED Platinum certified facility hosting groups from around the world and bringing millions of dollars into the Portland and Oregon economy.