INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA – Songdo Convensia, a premier convention center located in Incheon, South Korea, has been awarded the esteemed Gold level certification from EarthCheck, a globally recognized authority in benchmarking and certifying sustainable tourism and event organizations. This significant achievement, announced by the Incheon Tourism Organization on April 6th, underscores Songdo Convensia's long-standing commitment to exceptional Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices.
The EarthCheck certification system rigorously evaluates an organization's sustainability performance across a wide range of criteria relevant to the tourism, hospitality, and convention sectors. The Gold certification is a testament to Songdo Convensia's consistent dedication to meeting and exceeding these stringent standards for five consecutive years or more. To attain this prestigious recognition, Songdo Convensia demonstrated outstanding performance in critical areas including the reduction of its carbon footprint, enhancement of energy efficiency, conservation of vital resources, implementation of effective waste management protocols, and meaningful contributions to the local community.
Songdo Convensia has long been a leader in sustainable venue management. It holds the distinction of being the first convention center in Asia to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, a globally recognized benchmark for green building design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Building upon this foundation, Songdo Convensia first earned EarthCheck Silver certification in 2021, demonstrating a continuous trajectory of improvement and dedication to sustainable operations that has now culminated in the Gold standard.
Significant investments and strategic initiatives have been instrumental in Songdo Convensia's success. Notably, the venue has implemented renewable energy solutions and advanced energy-saving technologies throughout its facilities. A comprehensive upgrade of the mechanical room lighting to energy-efficient LEDs has not only reduced energy consumption but also enhanced workplace safety for staff. Furthermore, the optimization of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting operational systems has significantly contributed to the center's environmental performance.
Beyond its environmental stewardship, Songdo Convensia has also demonstrated a strong commitment to social responsibility through active engagement with the local community and the establishment of fair and transparent governance structures that adhere to international best practices.
Sohn Yeon-soo, Head of Songdo Convensia, expressed pride in this significant accomplishment, stating, "The EarthCheck Gold certification is a powerful validation of Songdo Convensia's unwavering dedication to operating as a sustainable international convention center. This recognition on a global scale inspires us to further strengthen our commitment to eco-friendly policies, including the pursuit of carbon neutrality, and to embed ESG principles deeply within our operations. Our vision is to continue evolving as a leading globally sustainable convention center, setting a benchmark for the industry."
The attainment of EarthCheck Gold certification positions Songdo Convensia as a leader in sustainable event management within the Asia-Pacific region and globally. It not only enhances the venue's reputation but also makes it an increasingly attractive choice for environmentally conscious event organizers seeking world-class facilities with a strong commitment to sustainability. This achievement underscores the growing importance of ESG considerations within the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry and highlights Songdo Convensia's proactive role in shaping a more sustainable future for the sector.
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