Saint Paul RiverCentre and Xcel Energy Center were recognized today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the 2011 WasteWise Midsize Business Partner of the Year. The facilities received the honor for the successful completion of their multifaceted sustainability initiative “50-50 in 2.” The EPA Partner of the Year award recognizes overall waste reduction achievements, efforts to purchase or manufacture recycled-content products and activities to promote WasteWise.

In 2009, Saint Paul RiverCentre, in partnership with Xcel Energy Center, rolled out an unprecedented campus-wide sustainability initiative. The collaborative effort, branded as "50-50 in 2," aimed to reduce the amount of trash generated at Saint Paul RiverCentre, Xcel Energy Center and The Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium by 50 percent while increasing the amount recycled to 50 percent within two years. The facilities not only reached their goal in two years, they exceeded it. The annual recycling rate went from 15 percent to 53 percent and trash was reduced by 59 percent campus-wide – a reduction of 1.4 million pounds per year.

“We are thrilled to have received this award,” said Saint Paul RiverCentre General Manager and Minnesota Wild Vice President Jim Ibister. “This honor reinforces our commitment to becoming a sustainability leader among facilities not only in the region, but on a national scale.”

“In 2009, we set out to become a national leader amongst convention center complexes in sustainability,” said Karolyn Kirchgesler, President and CEO of Visit Saint Paul and the RiverCentre Authority. “And while we certainly are not done with our work, this prestigious award is validation that we are off to a commendable start.”

Each year, the EPA recognizes outstanding achievements to members who exhibit exemplary waste prevention and recycling programs. Awards are given out in categories including business, government and educational sectors. This year, only 25 awards were given nationally in 6 award categories.

About Saint Paul RiverCentre
Saint Paul RiverCentre is the city’s premier convention center that overlooks the bluffs of the Mississippi River. Featuring more than 250,000 square feet of versatile event space and flexible room configurations that include the Grand Ballroom and The Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium, Saint Paul RiverCentre is the preferred choice for hundreds of events including star-studded galas, trade shows and conventions each year.

About Xcel Energy Center
Regarded as one of the finest arenas in the world, Xcel Energy Center is home to the NHL's Minnesota Wild and a multitude of premier sports and entertainment events annually. The one-of-a-kind, multi-purpose facility is located in the heart of downtown Saint Paul, owned by the City of Saint Paul and managed by Saint Paul Arena Company, an affiliate of Minnesota Sports & Entertainment. For more information, visit xcelenergycenter.com.

About Visit Saint Paul
Saint Paul RiverCentre and The Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium are governed and operated by Visit Saint Paul. The mission of Visit Saint Paul is to generate economic growth for Saint Paul by effectively marketing the Saint Paul RiverCentre campus, the City of Saint Paul and the region as a preferred convention and tourism destination.