Sustainability Report

Moscone Center stands as one of the most sustainable and efficient convention centers in the U.S., with the lowest carbon footprint per visitor globally and the nation's only LEED Platinum certification.

Instead of building a new center, a cost-effective renovation and expansion preserved the existing below-grade halls and their foundations, minimizing the need for new construction. The project included a high-efficiency central plant, significantly improving energy efficiency across the million-square-foot facility. The new construction features a high-performance facade with fritted glazing and external shading. By expanding the existing facility, the renovation avoided substantial embodied carbon emissions compared to a ground-up build.

The Moscone Center prioritizes durable, low-maintenance materials for longevity and ease of cleaning in its high-traffic environment. The design minimizes embodied carbon by using a limited palette of local materials with high recycled content and low VOCs. Simple "white box" interiors, free of ornamentation, provide a neutral backdrop for exhibitors' custom displays, avoiding dated aesthetics and future replacements. Construction relies primarily on readily available domestic materials like steel, concrete, aluminum, glass, and gypsum board. The project achieved both regional materials and certified wood credits, with 100% FSC-certified wood and no tropical or exotic finishes.