Greentech Media

The David Lawrence Convention center sits in front of the Pittsburgh skyline. Source: Visit Pittsburgh

The David Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Owner: the The Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County (SEA) Architects: Rafael Vinoly Architects LEED Status: Gold

The David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh is the first LEED-certified convention center as well as the world's largest green building. The convention center has implemented a water-reclamation system that is able to reduce water consumption by 60 percent. Vinoly has also made use of the building's location on the Allegheny River for a natural ventilation system that helps to reduce energy use and cost. The building primarily relies upon daylighting for interior spaces and has daylight sensors that control artificial lighting.