When Britton Jones and Sharon Enright, CEO and COO of NXT Events Media Group, Producers of The Nest Climate Campus, launched the event in 2019, they did so with over 40 combined years of successful event execution and an increasing interest in sustainability and climate action. Jones and Enright had attended the Javits Center hundreds of times throughout their career, directing more shows there than one can count. The Javits Center’s dedication to sustainability, both before and following the expansion of their facility in 2021, made the location the perfect destination for the Climate Campus.
But there is so much more to the space than meets the eye.. We’re including a few of our favorite highlights from the venue below, but encourage you to take a look at the Javits Center Sustainability web page for more information.
When the Javits Center developed their expansion space in 2021, they included an expansive 6.75-acre green roof, home to a thriving one-acre working farm that produces up to 40,000 pounds of fresh, sustainably-grown fruits and vegetables each year.
Also located within the sprawling green roof - one of the largest in the United States - lies a state-of-the-art greenhouse specially designed for hydroponics and other growing environments. We've even repurposed this space into a stunning dinner venue during Climate Week NYC.
This rooftop bounty plays a vital role in feeding the millions of visitors and diners who frequent the convention center. From The Nest Climate Campus to all of the center's dining establishments, you'll find the delicious and nutritious fruits of this farm's labor on every plate, carefully prepared and cleaned for optimal enjoyment.
The Javits Center's green roof is more than just a pretty sight - it's a powerful tool for sustainable building management. Thanks to its cutting-edge design, the roof can absorb up to seven million gallons of stormwater run-off each year, reducing the burden on city infrastructure and protecting local waterways. Plus, the roof's cooling effect helps to mitigate heat gain inside the building, leading to lower energy use and a more comfortable atmosphere for visitors and employees alike. In fact, the center's annual energy consumption has already been reduced by an impressive 26%, thanks in part to initiatives like this.
But that's not all. The Javits Center also partnered with our friends at Siemens to install the largest rooftop solar array in Manhattan. This innovative system features 3,000 solar panels arranged in a unique canopy design that fits seamlessly atop existing HVAC units. By harnessing the power of collaboration (and the sun), the Javits Center is taking another big step towards a greener, more sustainable future for New York City and beyond.
As you explore the rooftop farm at the Javits Center, you'll encounter more than just rows of thriving plants - you'll also discover a bustling wildlife sanctuary. This remarkable space is home to nine bee hives, which provide a vital source of pollination for the surrounding flora. But the bees are just the beginning. Dozens of local and migratory bird species can be spotted here, along with several bat species and thousands of fascinating insects.
To ensure the health and well-being of this diverse ecosystem, the Javits Center has partnered with the NYC Audubon Society for ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts. With their expert guidance, we're able to welcome new species to the rooftop sanctuary while maintaining a safe and sustainable environment for all.
And now, you can experience the magic of this rooftop habitat for yourself. With their live habitat cameras, you can tune in anytime and witness the thriving community of plants and animals that call the Javits Center home. It's an unforgettable glimpse into the beauty and wonder of the natural world, right in the heart of New York City.
We take waste reduction seriously at The Nest Climate Campus, which is why we implement low-waste practices such as biodegradable badges and reusable marketing materials (read more below). The Javits Center is also a leader in convention center waste collection. In 2022 they diverted an impressive 50% of their waste away from landfills and towards more sustainable solutions. Their sights are set even higher in the upcoming years, with a goal of reaching an 80% waste diversion rate by 2024.
To get there, they are implementing a comprehensive waste diversion roadmap that tackles the biggest challenges head-on. This includes prioritizing the sorting and collection of our largest recycling waste streams, such as cardboard, and redesigning collection methods and routes to make them more efficient and effective. They are also exploring innovative solutions like composting, upcycling, and repurposing to give new life to materials that might otherwise go to waste.
At the Climate Campus, sustainability is more than just a buzzword - it's a way of life. That's why we're always looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact, no matter how small. Even something as seemingly insignificant as a name badge can make a big difference when it comes to sustainability.
That's why we've ditched the plastic badge coverings and opted for a sturdier, biodegradable paper instead–4,300 plastic coverings were avoided in 2022 alone. Our attendees' name tags are now made from 100% recycled and sustainable materials, right here in the U.S. And when it's time to dispose of them, they'll break down naturally without harming the environment.
Of course, we don't stop there. We provide recycling receptacles on-site for special items like badges and lanyards, ensuring that they're properly sorted and reused or disposed of as needed. By taking these small steps, we're able to make a big impact in reducing waste and preserving our planet for future generations.
In addition to the waste most commonly thought of at events–food, drinks, name badges–we work closely with our team of event activators to ensure that the items seen and experienced throughout the Campus are reusable for our sponsors.
Take booth signage, for example. Instead of using disposable materials that end up in the landfill, we opt for high-quality, reusable materials that can be taken down and repurposed for future events. This not only reduces waste, but also saves our sponsors money and time.
And for custom activations like AR/VR experiences or art exhibits, we work with our partners to design them in a way that's portable and easy to transport, so they can be enjoyed at multiple events without needing to start from scratch.
Food is more than just fuel - it's an experience. That's why we launched the Garden Eatery at the Climate Campus in 2022, offering a tasty array of locally sourced, plant-based options.
We partner with progressive food purveyors who share our commitment to sustainability, showcasing the latest and greatest in eco-friendly cuisine. And with plenty of space to sit, relax, and network, it's the perfect place to connect with like-minded attendees and engage with the different food brands.
Food is a precious resource - yet each year, an astonishing 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions are produced by food waste. That's nearly equivalent to the emissions from all global road transport combined. But the impact of food waste goes beyond just the environment - it also represents a missed opportunity to feed the millions of people who face food insecurity each day.
At the Climate Campus, we believe that no food should go to waste. That's why we partner with Food Rescue US, an organization dedicated to rescuing untouched food from events like ours and delivering it to social service agencies in the surrounding neighborhoods. By redirecting surplus food to those in need, we're not only reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also making a meaningful difference in the lives of people in our community.
The best events are the ones with a diverse mix of experiences, and we pride ourselves in offering expert conversations, impactful activities, and eye-catching moments in between.
But even the most eye-catching of moments can, and should be, sustainably made!
At the 2022 Climate Campus, we commissioned Bronx-based artist Dario Mohr, to create his work, Solar Apex, illustrating the importance of sustainability efforts within the events industry. Using materials donated after recent events at the Javits Center, as well as solar panels from the venue’s green roof, Dario created a piece that underscores the need to repurpose, reuse, and reimagine the world around us.
The construction of the assemblage was inspired by the Javits Center’s partnership with Materials For the Arts (MFTA).
