NEW ORLEANS – In addition to expanding its robust recycling program for clients and events, The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is prioritizing waste diversion during ongoing renovations. The latest project of the Convention Center’s $557 million capital improvement plan encompasses major interior renovations to meeting rooms and public spaces. As part of its commitment to sustainability and maintaining the facility’s LEED Gold certification, the Convention Center is maximizing opportunities to reduce waste, divert materials from landfills and improve energy efficiency.
During the project’s first stage, the Convention Center diverted 84 percent of the waste produced, thereby surpassing its goal of 50 percent waste diversion. Between July and September 2023, the Convention Center diverted nearly 461,650 pounds of construction waste (of the roughly 550,000 pounds of construction waste that left the building). Additionally, the Convention Center recycled masonry, lights, scrap, cardboard and plastic, sending the materials to local vendors and recycling companies.
For example, in addition to installing sustainably sourced ceiling panels, the Convention Center enrolled in the Armstrong Ceilings Recycling Program. In so doing, the Convention Center diverted thousands of discarded ceiling panels from landfills by having them processed and used to make new ceiling material with high recycled content. The Convention Center also recycled existing carpet to make way for new custom flooring.
“Linda Baynham, our director of sustainability and corporate social responsibility, and our operations team, have really gone above and beyond to show how major projects can be done in a sustainable way,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center president and CEO in a recent press release. “Our hope is that, by sharing our recycling goals, processes and results, we will inspire other companies and facilities to expand their own recycling efforts and sustainability programs and practices.”
