The Valencia Conference Centre’s photovoltaic roof has generated one million kWh, i.e. enough energy to supply around 5,500 homes for a month. The venue was a pioneer in Spain, and was one of the first in Europe to implement this type of environmental initiatives. The Conference Centre’s environmental measures have enabled the venue to generate income and savings of around €1,300,000.

The Valencia Conference Centre’s photovoltaic roof, which was started up at the end of 2008, has reached the 1,000,000 kWh milestone. The roof was the culmination of a pioneering sustainability project which led to it being the first solar roof installation of its kind in Spain and one of the first in Europe.

The 2,100 photovoltaic modules installed on aluminium panels, which have maintained the original shape of the building, have avoided the emission of over 400 tonnes of CO2 which would have required over 2 million trees to absorb it.

In addition to the building’s unique design which centres on making the most of natural light, this initiative, based on the use of natural resources as the building’s main energy source, is just one of many projects which come under the Conference Centre's Global Sustainability Plan. These include the use of low-energy light bulbs and presence detectors, the installation of optical fibre to illuminate the ornamental fountains, and treating the water used in them. This efficient management of resources has led to an annual saving of around 1,000,000 kWh compared to the building's initial energy consumption.

According to José Salinas, the venue's CEO, “these sustainability initiatives aim to combine the holding of events with respect for the environment, and put the venue in a stronger position on the international event tourism market. In addition, these initiatives have helped to reduce energy consumption as well as bringing down replacement and maintenance costs in the facility”.

This wholehearted commitment to efficient management and continuous improvement have enabled the venue to obtain the integrated ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 Quality and Environmental Management Systems certifications, the "Q" Tourist Quality Certificate and the EFQM’s Recognised for Excellence (4 stars) award. The comprehensive control and systematic monitoring of energy aspects and the continuous improvement of performance have also led the venue to be awarded the Spanish UNE-EN 16001 Energy Management Systems certification.

The proposals to minimise the venue's environmental impact were the starting point for the creation of the ECO (Ecologically Committed Organisation) Project, which encourages the holding of “green events” at the Centre. During these events, the Centre provides the client
with cutting-edge technology which enables paper to be replaced by computer network downloads. It also uses virtual media for signage and putting up posters, and offers a sustainable catering service and reusable stands.

One of the positive results of these efforts is the increased satisfaction of the Centre’s customers, with its environmental actions being the best valued aspect of the Valencian venue. These positive results led to the Valencia Conference Centre being chosen as the World's Best Convention Centre by the International Association of Congress Centres – an award which is based solely on event organisers' opinions.

The Centre aims to continue to analyse new energy-saving proposals for the future, such as geothermal energy installations and the feasibility of cogeneration plants, based on the use of natural gas as an energy source. According to José Salinas “if we wish to continue to be an international benchmark, we need to extend our sustainability initiatives even further and keep up to date with technological innovation to stay ahead of the rest of the industry in an ever more competitive market”.

The Valencia Conference Centre
During the thirteen years since it opened, the Valencia Conference Centre has hosted over 2,000 events and has welcomed over 1.3 million visitors. It has played a key role in boosting local tourism and driving economic development which is visible in the growth of the north-west district of the city. The venue has generated an economic impact of €660 million, around 22 times the amount it cost to build.