The Georgia World Congress Center on Tuesday said it is now the largest LEED-certified convention center in the world.

The 3.9 million-square-foot building achieved silver certification through sustainability efforts such as recycling electronics, reducing water consumption, using green janitorial supplies and more environmentally friendly office supplies.

LEED — or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design — rates the green or sustainable design, construction or operations in buildings and homes.

The GWCC has been working toward its certification since 2005. In 2010, the convention center — the fourth largest in the nation — hired a dedicated sustainability director and in 2012 registered for the preliminary steps of certification with the U.S. Green Building Council.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Buckhead resident Jenny Boyter started drinking Tab as a child. Now, she's part of a group rallying for the retired soda's return. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller

Featured

More metro Atlanta sellers are deciding to take their homes off the market, according to a new report. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC