You can check off another convention center for receiving LEED certification. The Pasadena Convention Center recently announced that it received Gold status certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, which provides the LEED designation. Pasadena is the third U.S. convention center to receive Gold status.

Gaining LEED certification is not only important for obvious sustainable and environmental reasons, it's also good business. Show organizers are increasingly looking for venues that have sustainable construction, energy use and other systems in place. "It is enticing to our clients, knowing they are hosting events in a facility that is actively protecting our precious resources," said Pasadena Center Operating Company CEO Michael Ross in a statement.

The convention center completed a $150 million renovation project in early 2009. Since then, the LEED certification process highlighted a number of elements that helped secure the venue's designation: more efficient lighting and equipment; an energy-efficient central plant; water conserving fixtures that reduce consumption by 37 percent; and a rating that says the venue performs 32 percent better than state energy standards.

The center also notes that 44 percent of the building materials were locally manufactured and 85 percent of the construction waste was recycled.