Lansing Center Becomes Case Study For SERF Certification

March 17, 2011 - PRLog -- Lansing, Michigan, March 17, 2011 — Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority today announced that Lansing Center has become the first convention center in the country to attain certification through the Society of Environmentally Responsible Facilities (SERF). As such, SERF has created a Lansing Center case study which sets benchmarks for facilities nationwide.

SERF assessors noted an employee-initiated recycling program, developed by building engineer, Dan Clark, as a significant highlight in their certification process. Clark’s “extensive” and “innovative” in-house system now recycles more than 35% of building waste, making Lansing Center a leader for its size.

Lansing Center staff recycles a bevy of materials—including glass, plastics, wood and metal—that, in less than a year, totaled more than 75,000 pounds. The goal for 2011 is set at 115,000.

“We recognized this industry trend several years ago but, back then, other facilities did not consider ‘going green’ because of associative costs,” said Scott Keith, LEPFA president & CEO.  “Instead, we saw that as a challenge; we took that time to develop cost-effective ways to implement a unique system,” Keith explained.

In addition to the recent SERF certification, Lansing Center has been listed as a “Green Venue” through Michigan’s Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.

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Lansing Entertainment & Public Facilities Authority serves as a catalyst to enhance both local and regional economic growth by providing professional management toward Lansing Center; Thomas M Cooley Law School Stadium, home of the Lansing Lugnuts; and the historic Lansing City Market. LEPFA is a primary sponsor of the Common Ground Music Festival, mid-Michigan’s largest music festival.