Sustainability at McCormick Place
McCormick Place Earns Gold Level Certification from Events Industry Council
As the largest convention center in North America, McCormick Place is committed to sustainability. In June 2025, the Events Industry Council (EIC) announced that Chicago’s McCormick Place has achieved Gold Level Certification to EIC’s Sustainable Event Standards. The certification recognizes McCormick Place’s continued leadership in environmental and social responsibility.
The EIC Sustainable Event Standards were created through a global collaborative process with participation from subject matter experts in all sectors. The standards specify performance criteria in the areas of organizational management, marketing, communications and engagement, climate action, water management, materials and circularity, supply chain management, diversity, equity and inclusion, accessibility and social impact. To date, more than 300 professionals have participated in the review of the standards. The integrated property standard is one of several comprehensive standards for environmentally sustainable events.
The Alliance for Audited Media, a not-for-profit auditing organization, performed the independent third-party certification.
Leading the Way in Sustainable Events at McCormick Place
McCormick Place takes pride in being at the forefront of green meetings and events with many firsts in innovative strategies for sustainable event management. Reducing environmental impact requires collaboration and cooperation with partners and the community, including ongoing efforts between the Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority (MPEA), Oak View Group (OVG) Hospitality, and campus sub-contractors to design and implement a robust sustainability program that supports the convention center and the events it hosts.
Current McCormick Place sustainability focus areas include operating the largest farm-to-fork rooftop garden in the Midwest; an onsite non-profit partnership committed to food rescue; offsetting 100% of electricity usage with certified wind renewable energy certificates; protecting migratory birds; and creating custom programs to meet the specific needs of clients, including areas like e-waste and booth furnishings. OVG Hospitality demonstrates a commitment to sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly packaging, prioritizing local sourcing, and implementing sustainable practices within their food and beverage services.
We also have a new Sustainability feature to celebrate in 2025 – campus composting:
While some of our campus events activated composting in 2024, we are pleased to announce that back of house composting is live for both our McCormick Place Culinary team and our non-profit campus partners at Fight2Feed.
McCormick Place is conducting a pilot program of waste sorting technology using OSCAR Sort AI-guided machines to assist guests in sorting their waste into the proper receptacle. Guests will see compost bins in our concourses at OSCAR Sort locations.
McCormick Place Sustainability Guide
Ready to take your event to the next level?
Whether you are planning a convention, tradeshow, corporate meeting, or consumer show, McCormick Place will work with your team to promote sustainability at any type of event function. Submit your RPF today and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible about booking your event.
