The Sharonville Convention Center, Sharonville, OH, has been awarded LEED Silver certification established by the U.S. Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). When the center first began discussions for expansion and renovation, a top priority was to take proper actions to become a sustainable, environmentally friendly building. With the expansion and renovation complete in April 2012, the LEED Silver certification was the final piece to the puzzle.
 
After careful planning and preparation, the building's project earned credits in all six LEED categories: Sustainable Sites; Water Efficiency; Energy and Atmosphere; Materials and Resources; Indoor Environmental Quality; and Innovation and Design Process. Several steps and improvements were made to qualify and earn credits in all six categories. The following are just a few examples of efforts put forward:

• Energy efficient design reflecting $6,862 in annual savings in overall lighting costs, and $38,760 annual savings in overall HVAC costs, when compared to standard baseline version of facility.
• Through the use of metered restroom fixtures, the facilities water consumption was reduced by more than 40%.
• The project maximized the reuse of existing building envelope, and interior elements were utilized and re-purposed to the greatest extent possible.
• The project employed a construction and demolition waste management program, ensuring that over 75% of generated waste was diverted from the landfill.
• To minimize off-gassing, and increase indoor air quality, low-emitting products were specified for adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings and carpet systems.

Aside from the requirements needed to meet LEED Silver certification, the entire project became a turning point for the Center. Additional projects such as a recycling program, removable metal panel system for future expansions, filtering and improving storm water quality and the utilization of a "Submittal Exchange," were also put into place.

"Sharonville Convention Center's LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership," said Rick Fedrizzi, President CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Building Council. "The urgency of USGBC's mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and Sharonville Convention Center serves as a prime example with just how much we can accomplish."