Saint Paul RiverCentre and Xcel Energy Center Receive USGBC West North Central Community Leadership Award for Excellence in Green Building

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Saint Paul RiverCentre and Xcel Energy Center are proud to announce they have been named one of the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) West North Central region’s 2020 Community Leadership Award recipients. The company is among 18 organizations and individuals celebrated for exemplary work and commitment to creating sustainable, high-performing and healthy spaces.

This award was given to the facilities for their transition from basic LEED certification in 2014 to LEED Platinum in 2019 – a three level jump in one review period. The Platinum status was recognized based on ongoing improvements to existing programs like recycling, composting and green purchasing. However, the biggest improvements were seen in renewable energy and energy efficiency with the facilities generating over 12 million kWh of renewable energy on site (between District Energy's solar thermal panels and the photovoltaic panels on the parking ramp), purchasing over 19 million kWh of wind power through Xcel Energy's Windsource® program and upgrading over 10,000 lights to more efficient technology.

“Receiving this prestigious award from the USGBC is truly an honor and reflects our organization and staff’s continued commitment to sustainability,” said Saint Paul RiverCentre Vice President and General Manager Jim Ibister. “In the past 11 years, we have sought to incorporate sustainability into every aspect of our operations in order to have the greatest impact on the communities we serve." 

Through a commitment to sustainability, Saint Paul RiverCentre and Xcel Energy Center strive to be a top green destination in the sports, entertainment and events industry. The organization continually seeks opportunities that reduce the environmental impact of its operations and fulfill its mission and values. The programming is comprehensive, spanning a range of topics that have received recognition from around the globe.

“These awards spotlight incredible leaders from across the region who are committed to building healthier, more resilient and sustainable communities through the adoption of LEED and green building practices,” said Korinne Haeffel, director of USGBC Wisconsin. “Green buildings are helping to raise the living standard for all while also helping to save money through more efficient design, construction and operations. It’s an honor to recognize this year’s awardees and we look forward to work this inspires in the months and years ahead.”

The 2020 Community Leadership Awards represent green building projects and experts from across local USGBC communities, including Central Plains, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri Gateway, Nebraska Flatwater, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

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About the U.S. Green Building Council

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, an international network of local community leaders, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. USGBC’s West North Central community is advancing USGBC¹s mission through localized engagement and outreach throughout the Central Plains, Iowa, Minnesota, the Missouri Gateway, Nebraska Flatwater, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.