MGM Resorts International believes that greener business is better business and became a corporate leader in sustainability in 2009 with the opening of CityCenter. At the time, the mega-resort was the largest privately funded green development project in the world, earning six Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certifications from the U.S. Green Building Council. Since then MGM Resorts has upgraded existing facilities and developed several more with sustainability in mind.
In addition to being LEED Gold certified, Aria is consistently the recipient of the five Green Keys award for their sustainable efforts ranging from drought-tolerant landscaping and ultra-energy efficient design to customizable green meeting planning resources. Aria’s Green Meetings program assists planners in identifying a goal statement that will drive the environmental elements of their meeting or event.
By aligning with the host company’s environmental philosophy and focusing within dedicated meeting segments, the action plan sets up easy implementation of services and options that will successfully lower the environmental footprint of the event and attendees. The many options available include procuring and implementing sustainable exhibits, smart-fuel transportation, and waste-smart services.
The Mandalay Bay Convention Center is the recipient of five Green Keys and four Green Globes through their sustainable efforts. This 2.1 million square foot meeting facility boasts the largest contiguous rooftop solar array in America. The array is comprised of more than 26,000 individual panels over 28 acres and supplies 25% of the power demand for the entire campus which includes Mandalay Bay, Delano Las Vegas and Four Seasons. The recycling facility at Mandalay Bay sorts 60 tons of trash a day and recycles 81% of convention waste on average.
Additionally, the Convention Center and UBM have partnered to co-develop a new LED lighting system. The multi-million-dollar investment includes the replacement of more than 1,600 light fixtures with new LED lights which will not only increase the brightness in the MBCC exhibit halls, but also reduce energy usage by up to 85%. Through the utilization of advanced lighting control technology, MBCC is able to provide better and brighter lighting capacity while operating smarter and using less energy.
Similarly, the newly expanded space at MGM Grand Las Vegas has received five Green Key and four Green Globe for their efforts in sustainability. The 850,000-square-foot Conference Center is host to the world’s largest collection of StayWell® guest rooms and meeting rooms. Renowned wellness guru, Deepak Chopra, endorses the StayWell program lending his voice to a guided meditation program which encourages guests to relax and rejuvenate.
Guests will also enjoy state-of-the-art air purification systems, hypoallergenic products and UV cleaning tools designed to neutralize bacteria, viruses and other microbes. Healthy menu options approved by Cleveland Clinic Wellness are available as well as hydration stations strategically placed to encourage attendee hydration.
MGM Resorts is dedicated to ensuring that environmentally responsible practices that can effectively lower its carbon footprint are incorporate throughout all operations and focuses on reducing the consumption of the planet's limited resources through innovation, education and efficiency.
