McCormick Place in Chicago has achieved Platinum Level Certification under the Events Industry Council’s (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards, marking a significant advancement in the convention center’s sustainability program.
The latest recognition moves McCormick Place up from Gold certification in 2025 to Platinum, the highest level available under the EIC’s Sustainable Event Standards. The certification recognizes the venue’s efforts across environmental responsibility, social impact, accessibility, inclusion, supply chains and community engagement.
The Alliance for Audited Media (AAM) conducted the independent third-party review required for the certification.
McCormick Place Earns Highest EIC Sustainability Level
The McCormick Place Platinum Certification reflects a venue-wide approach to sustainable event operations. The EIC standards assess a broad range of environmental and social practices, including climate action, water management, materials and waste, supply chains, accessibility, inclusion, communications and community impact.
The certification demonstrates McCormick Place’s continued efforts to integrate sustainability into both its daily operations and the events hosted at the Chicago convention center.
With 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space and 173 meeting rooms, McCormick Place is one of the largest convention and exhibition facilities in North America. Its sustainability initiatives therefore have the potential to influence a large number of events, exhibitors, organizers and visitors.
Renewable Energy Supports McCormick Place Sustainability
One of the key components of McCormick Place’s sustainability strategy is its approach to electricity consumption.
The convention center offsets 100% of its electricity use through certified wind renewable energy certificates. This initiative supports the venue’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact associated with its energy consumption.
McCormick Place also operates a rooftop garden, which provides ingredients for its food-service program. The venue additionally maintains an onsite honeybee program, adding another sustainability feature to its operations.
These initiatives form part of a broader strategy aimed at connecting environmental practices with event operations and food services.
Food Recovery and Community Impact
McCormick Place’s sustainability program also extends beyond energy and facility management.
The convention center works with Fight2Feed to recover surplus food and event materials. The nonprofit organization distributes these resources to more than 100 community organizations, helping redirect usable materials and food toward local community needs.
This approach combines waste reduction with social impact, two areas emphasized within the EIC Sustainable Event Standards.
The venue has also reported significant spending with diverse suppliers. During fiscal year 2025, McCormick Place invested nearly $37 million with minority- and women-owned businesses, supporting economic participation and supplier diversity.
McCormick Place Sustainability Program Continues to Expand
Larita Clark, chief executive officer of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), which owns McCormick Place, said the Platinum certification reflects the efforts of employees, clients and partners.
She emphasized that working with event organizers on sustainability goals can create lasting environmental, social and economic benefits for the wider community.
The achievement builds on McCormick Place’s previous sustainability milestones and highlights the venue’s focus on continuous improvement.
McCormick Place Also Earned ISSA Sustainability Certification
The McCormick Place Platinum EIC certification comes shortly after another sustainability achievement announced in June.
McCormick Place became the first facility to receive Cleaning Industry Management Standard Green Building + Sustainability Certification with Honors from ISSA, The Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions.
While both certifications recognize sustainability, they evaluate different areas of venue operations.
The ISSA certification focuses specifically on cleaning and facility management practices, including cleaning systems, service delivery, employee practices, safety and environmental care.
The EIC Sustainable Event Standards, meanwhile, take a broader approach by examining sustainability across events and daily venue operations.
Together, the two certifications highlight McCormick Place’s efforts across different areas of environmental management and sustainable facility operations.
EIC Sustainable Event Standards Support Sustainable Events
The Events Industry Council developed its Sustainable Event Standards with contributions from more than 300 industry professionals.
The standards provide event venues, organizers and other industry stakeholders with a framework for measuring sustainability performance and identifying opportunities for improvement.
The program addresses areas including organizational management, marketing and communications, attendee engagement, circular materials, environmental responsibility and social impact.
For convention centers such as McCormick Place, these standards can provide a structured approach to helping organizers incorporate sustainability into conferences, exhibitions, trade shows and other large-scale events.
Amy Calvert, president and chief executive officer of the Events Industry Council, said McCormick Place’s Platinum achievement reflects years of dedication, collaboration and continuous improvement.
According to Calvert, the venue demonstrates how sustained sustainability efforts can deliver meaningful progress and encourage wider adoption of responsible practices throughout the events industry.
Platinum Certification Strengthens McCormick Place’s Position
The move from Gold certification in 2025 to Platinum certification in 2026 represents continued progress in McCormick Place’s sustainability journey.
Its combination of renewable energy, food recovery, rooftop agriculture, community partnerships, supplier diversity and sustainable facility practices demonstrates how large exhibition venues can integrate environmental and social considerations into their operations.
As sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration for event organizers, exhibitors and attendees, certifications such as the EIC Sustainable Event Standards provide measurable frameworks for evaluating venue performance.
McCormick Place’s latest recognition places the Chicago convention center among venues demonstrating a high level of commitment to sustainable event management.
Key Facts About McCormick Place Platinum Certification
Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago
Certification: EIC Sustainable Event Standards – Platinum Level
Previous Level: Gold, 2025
Certification Review: Alliance for Audited Media
Exhibition Space: 2.6 million square feet
Meeting Rooms: 173
Renewable Energy: 100% of electricity use offset through certified wind renewable energy certificates
Community Initiative: Fight2Feed partnership
Supplier Diversity Investment: Nearly $37 million in minority- and women-owned businesses during fiscal year 2025
Conclusion
The McCormick Place Platinum EIC Sustainable Event Certification marks an important milestone for one of Chicago’s leading convention and exhibition venues. By advancing from Gold to the EIC’s highest certification level, McCormick Place has demonstrated continued progress in environmental sustainability, community impact, supplier diversity and responsible event operations.
With sustainability becoming a central consideration in the global exhibitions and business events industry, McCormick Place’s initiatives offer an example of how major convention centers can combine operational improvements with measurable environmental and social outcomes.
