For a kitchen that serves hundreds of thousands of people each year, going green is a really big deal.  It’s much more complicated than serving lots of spinach and broccoli at every meal!  Having an eco-friendly kitchen may begin with eating green, but it doesn’t end there. At the SMG-managed Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, our determination to earn LEED certification is a multi-pronged commitment that involves all aspects of our food and beverage service.

Energy-efficient food preparation, service, cleaning, using equipment made from sustainable materials, and avoiding toxic chemicals are essential elements of a truly eco-friendly kitchen. We begin with basic applications such as reusable linens, dishes and cutlery. We support environmental sustainability by recycling as much as we can and seizing every opportunity to choose environmentally conscious materials and cleaning products.  Our water-wise initiatives include low flow kitchen faucets that reduce the amount of water we require for all our kitchen tasks.

Whenever possible, we purchase foods and beverages that are produced locally, within a 100 mile radius.  This eco-friendly endeavor not only supports our local farmers and provides our guests with the freshest ingredients, but also saves on fuel costs and emissions from trucks and other modes of transportation required to import products into Broward County.

We also buy organic foods and products that are certified by various agencies including USDA, Food Alliance, Rainforest Alliance, Protected-Harvest, Fair Trade and Main Stewardship Council’s Blue Eco-Label.  All of these certified products are grown, produced and packaged with eco-friendly practices.

Our Convention Center’s commitment to reducing waste and nurturing a healthier planet has a human touch, as we help feed the hungry in our community by donating unused food and pre-consumed meals to the local Daily Food Bank.

Fortunately, making the right choices for our guests and our business also is good for the planet. From planning meals to cooking, serving and cleaning, we’ve transformed our kitchen into an earth-friendly model of gourmet cooking.  We look forward to serving you soon.

Bon appétit!

Sustainably yours,

The Green Team

The green movement started small and grew into what seems to be the predominant theme of the 21^st Century. Green fever is catching on all around the world.  At home, in our cars and at work, people are adapting, step-by-step, to eco-friendly living.

Here at the SMG-managed Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, our commitment to achieving LEED certification began with all team members making the commitment to follow environmentally wise practices in their departments. Our cultural makeover is a full-time mindset.

Our Convention Center provides all the tools that staff members need to work toward sustainability, such as convenient recycling stations clearly marked for paper, plastic, glass and cans. We purchase environmentally friendly cleaning products and low-fume-emitting paints, as well as paper towels and tissue made from 100 percent recycled material.  We make a concerted effort to select office supplies and other products that have no negative impact.

All of us reduce paper consumption by using email and the Convention Center’s website to send client documentation whenever possible. Our email signatures end with, “Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.  Together, we’re doing everything we can to become a totally eco-friendly Convention Center and spread the word to everyone else.”

LEED Certification

Going green is currently in vogue, but we believe that it’s here to stay.  If you haven’t already done so, try using some of these easy, eco-friendly products and practices in your daily life.  You’ll save more than money by protecting our planet for generations to come.

1. Store your information electronically to save paper. When printing out information, print on both sides of each sheet of paper.
2. Purchase paper, binders, folders and journals made from recycled paper.
3. Use environmentally friendly cleaning products, from dish-washing liquids to laundry detergents.
4. Reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides on your lawn and garden, but when necessary use eco-friendly brands.
5. Buy clothes, bedding and linens made of organic cotton and other materials.
6. Use environmentally safe paints and other office and home improvement supplies.

It’s easier than ever before to do your part for a sustainable world!

Sustainably yours,

The Green Team