Energy, water and waste conservation are the focus of our daily operating strategy. We minimize power consumption through sensor-controlled utilities, high-efficiency lighting, and operations strategies that allow us to minimize usage in non-occupied spaces. We are committed to using green cleaning products, sourcing local food and beverage, composting food waste, and increasing our diversion rates year after year.
Highlights
LEED Certified
In 2016, the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) was certified LEED Silver by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED, which stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design”, is an internationally adopted “green building” rating system, which evaluates a building’s environmental footprint in terms of its resource consumption, waste management practices, and overall operational efficiency.
Energy Efficiency
Both the BCEC and the Hynes have state-of-the-art Lutron Lighting Systems installed throughout the facilities and sensor-controlled lighting in all meeting rooms. To improve building efficiency, lighting and HVAC are reduced during show move-in and move out.
In a year alone, 1,300,000 kwH were saved due to LED lighting upgrades at the BCEC.
Locally sourced food & composting
Our food and beverage partners, Levy Restaurants, are committed to sourcing local food and beverage (depending on the season up to 75% of their ingredients come from local farms and producers) and composting food waste. We also offer compost collection bins in designated areas around the dining area for event attendees. In addition, Levy Restaurants use biodegradable packaging and corn-based compostable cups and utensils.
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Recycling
The BCEC and the Hynes recycle over 800 combined tons of material, including cardboard, plastic, paper, glass, and food waste with an average waste diversion rate of 47% at the BCEC. Annually, over 600,000 lbs of food waste are sent to be used for anaerobic digestion with any residuals being pelletized and land applied. In 2019, the MCCA also started an office organics collection program, currently available in four locations at the BCEC and one at the Hynes.
Conventions C.A.R.E.
Our Conventions C.A.R.E. (Community Assistance by Responsible Events) program collects clean, usable, nonperishable donations from exhibitors and event planners after conventions, and delivers them to local nonprofits around Boston. In a single year, the program collects and distributes roughly 40 tons of donated goods.
Questions?
For more information, contact our community liaison, Arthur Fritch, at afritch@signatureboston.com or at 617-954-2115.
Travel Green
Public Transportation
Boston’s public transportation system, better known as the MBTA, or “The T” to locals, connects all of Boston to its suburbs by subway, rail, bus, and even boat!
America's Walking City
Boston is one of the most compact and pedestrian friendly cities in the U.S. With historic sites, restaurants, iconic venues and attractions, there is so much to see and do in Boston all within walking distance of the BCEC and Hynes!
Bike Sharing
BlueBikes is Boston’s public bike-sharing system with 1,800 city bikes and 180 bike stations throughout the city, including stations directly outside the BCEC and the Hynes.
Electric Vehicles
If you’d rather rent a car, consider getting an electric one! There are eight electrical vehicle charging stations at the BCEC.
Tips for sustainable events
