Orange County Convention Center first to receive certification for recycling efforts

The Orange County Convention Center’s (OCCC) Building Services section has received International Organization for Standardization (ISO*) 14001:2004 certification for its Environmental Management System (EMS).  It is the first convention center in the United States to receive this certification.

 As a participant in the national EMS initiative (2003-2005), the OCCC was able to accomplish a number of achievements through initial implementation of an EMS in Building Services' recycling program.  Prior to the EMS, the OCCC recycled less than one percent of its total waste stream.  Through EMS, the OCCC's accomplishments include (as of July 2008):

    In 2007, 80% of all dry waste and 38% recovery on all waste

    11,145 tons of material diverted for remanufacture

    1,200 tons of cardboard and 14 tons of office paper recycled

    $85,000 in disposal fees saved

    $53,486 in recycling rebates

    Streamlined communications concerning environmental practices

    Increased environmental awareness among employees

    Recently completed a pilot test of “dry cell” cart batteries that contain no liquid electrolyte and are 100% recyclable

    Currently looking at ways to better identify recycle receptacles to promote recycling efforts to guests and encourage participation

 *ISO is the world’s largest developer and publisher of international standards, including a network of national standards institutes from 157 countries working in partnership with international organizations, governments, industries, businesses, and consumer representatives.  For more information, visit www.iso.org.
 

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