Easily identified by the building’s iconic swooped rooftop, the David L. Lawrence Convention Center was the first LEED-certified convention center in the United States, achieving both LEED Gold (for design and construction) and Platinum (for operations). The building’s curved roof is critical to its natural ventilation system that aerodynamically cools the complex by harnessing the river breeze at zero energy cost. The building’s food service provider, Levy Convention Centers, donates and composts leftover food waste. A garden located on the North Terrace produces its own supply of fresh herbs to use in food preparation while indigenous landscaping conserves potable water and supports butterfly migration.

More About This Building:

• The building’s design was the result of an international competition to create a convention center that would embody the highest standards of sustainability and become a landmark for our region  
• Fifty percent of construction materials were sourced within 500 miles of Pittsburgh to reduce transportation emissions  
• An on-site water reclamation plant saves 5 million gallons of water per year   
• Fun Fact: Hops grown on the roof are sent to nearby North Country Brewing Company and turned into an original beer: Rooftop Hops American Style IPA