The Phoenix Convention Center recently has completed several energy efficiency upgrades by converting outdated lighting to energy efficient LED lighting technology.

Last year, the PCC participated in Arizona Public Service’s (APS) Solutions for Business energy rebate program, resulting in more than $175,000 in rebates for the LEED-silver certified facility.

The PCC took full advantage of the APS rebate program by converting to LED lighting in several areas of the campus including meeting rooms, loading docks, stairwells, food court, garages, production kitchens and its grand Atrium.

“Providing a positive guest experience and maximizing our sustainability efforts are among our top priorities,” said John Chan, director of the PCC.

He continued, “The recent conversion of our lighting fixtures to LED supports our focus on energy efficiency by extending the life cycle of equipment and minimizing the hours spent on maintenance.”

The PCC also is participating in the City of Phoenix Public Works department’s initiative to increase the facility’s waste diversion rate by 40 percent by 2020, Chan added.

In addition to the LED conversion project, the facility participates in several other sustainability initiatives including hosting a rooftop solar generating power plant that produces enough energy to power 12-14 homes annually.

“We encourage our customers to look at how they use energy and explore the many different options for becoming more energy efficient,” explained David Werth, manager of energy efficiency programs for APS.

He added, “The Phoenix Convention Center has done exactly that and as a result, they’re saving energy and money. The APS and Phoenix Convention Center partnership is a victory for the local community.”

In 2008, the Phoenix Convention Center completed a $600 million expansion project that tripled the size the downtown facility, increasing its meeting and exhibition space from 320,000 square feet to 900,000 sq. ft.