Listen to a presentation and then take a tour of the Georgia World Congress Center, Thursday, Oct. 2, 1-2 p.m., Room B212, to learn how building managers are working to turn the building green.

The center’s management is currently compiling documentation with the U.S. Green Buiding Council in pursuit of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings certification.

Here are some of the green attributes of the convention center:

Water Conservation

14 percent less water was consumed in 2007 than 2006.

Water aerators have been installed on sinks and low flow devices on the toilets and urinals to reduce water consumption.

Greywater usage: Leftover water from meetings is used to water plants and un-used ice is recaptured after major events.

Energy Efficiency

During move-in and move-out in the exhibit halls only half-lights are used and HVAC is reduced.

Portions of the facility are closed down when not in use, by turning off escalators and lights.

HVAC is regulated in areas of the building not in use.

Windows have high E-rating.

Building C's energy efficient plant (chillers and boilers) is used to cool and heat Buildings A, B & C.

New towers in Building A will be energy efficient.

Temperature is monitored at higher set points, in order to reduce energy consumption.

Florescent and metal halide lighting are used for longer life and efficient energy consumption.

Air Quality

Outside air ventilation is mixed into the return air.

The Georgia World Congress Center is a non-smoking building.

Carbon dioxide sensors are in the exhibit halls.

Carpet is 80 percent wool, 20 percent nylon, meeting the Carpet & Rug Institute's Indoor Air Quality criteria.

Environmental Purchases

Low VOC adhesives are used.

Water-based paints are used.

The veneer on the meeting room doors and surrounding the Georgia Ballroom was cut from a managed forest.

Linoleum is used in service corridors and auditoriums.

Ceiling tiles in the meeting rooms are sustainable to the environment.

Waste Minimization

Pallets and cardboard are recycled.

Paper, glass, plastic and aluminum are recycled from the show floor during events.

Leftover food is donated to a food bank.

Paper is recycled from all internal offices.

Juice, tea and coffee are served in pitchers.

China service is available for any event.

Internal Practices

Paper and cardboard recycling.

Employee Education: Water 101 workshop and weekly green messaging.

Campus maps printed on recycled paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Collateral materials printed on post-consumer waste fibers.

Ballroom lighting stays on only one hour (on timers) for site visits.

Bike racks & MARTA promote environmentally-friendly ways to get to work as well as internal promotion of the Clean Air Campaign.

State-of-the-art controls system is used for lighting, HVAC, fire protection and security.

The West Plaza and International Plaza incorporate a green space over a parking deck.