Jacob K. Javits Convention Center today announced two new sustainability recognitions, solidifying its status as a leader in sustainability. Javits has earned LEED v4.1 Operations and Maintenance (O+M): Existing Buildings Silver certification, marking the first time the Center has received LEED recognition specifically for its operations. Additionally, Javits achieved TRUE precertification recognizing the foundation in place for zero waste operations.
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED—Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design—is a globally recognized framework for sustainable buildings. Its Operations and Maintenance certification evaluates the performance of existing buildings, emphasizing how they are operated and maintained to support resource efficiency and healthy indoor environments.
Also developed by USGBC, TRUE – Total Resource Use and Efficiency – precertification signals that Javits Center is minimizing waste output, becoming more resource efficient and environmentally responsibly. It recognizes projects which have implemented the fundamental actions and policies needed to effectively pursue zero waste and have demonstrated a commitment to achieving TRUE certification.
Both certifications are awarded by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI).
These achievements build on Javits Center’s existing LEED Gold and Silver building certifications under the Building Design and Construction rating system, and recognize its performance across energy and water efficiency, waste management, human experience, indoor environmental quality and sustainable operations.
“At Javits, sustainability is part of how we work every day,” said Joyce Leveston, President and CEO of Javits Center. “This recognition belongs to the people who operate our building, support our events and find ways to improve our performance. We are proud of this milestone, and we will keep building on it— for our customers, our community and the future of our industry.”
The new LEED certification draws on measured performance and feedback from employees and visitors, with highlights including:
- Verified energy and water performance. Energy and water use were evaluated relative to the project’s gross floor area and the number of attendees and employees. Utility invoices and meter readings provided documentation to verify performance across the building’s 2.6 million square feet, as defined by LEED protocol.
- Ongoing waste tracking and diversion. Javits monitors waste monthly, using hauler records to verify performance and supporting diversion through food donation and composting.
- Healthy indoor environmental quality. Building-wide air quality testing in July 2026 found low levels of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs)—airborne chemicals that can come from cleaning products, furnishings and building materials—supporting a healthy indoor environment for visitors and employees.
- A positive building experience. Among more than 360 employees and visitors who responded to certification surveys, approximately 85% reported being satisfied with the building. Cleanliness was the most frequently cited highlight.
- Sustainable transportation choices. Approximately 84% of survey respondents travel to Javits by a means other than driving alone, including approximately 68% who use public transit for at least part of their trip.
Together, these results demonstrate how sustainable operations and a positive human experience reinforce one another at Javits. For event organizers, exhibitors and attendees, the certification provides independently verified recognition of the building’s performance supporting their events.
The milestone was celebrated with a plaque presentation during the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo at Javits Center. USGBC President & CEO Peter Templeton presented the plaque to Javits Center President & CEO Joyce Leveston and her team on October 21, recognizing the Center’s commitment to putting sustainability into practice every day.
“The Javits Center’s LEED recertification underscores its role as a living model of sustainability leadership in the built environment. There is no better stage to showcase this accomplishment than this week at Greenbuild, where sustainability leaders from around the world will see firsthand how a major public venue can turn commitment into measurable impact year after year.”
Celebrating the achievement at Greenbuild connected the conference’s focus on sustainable buildings with the operations of its host venue. For event organizers, exhibitors and attendees, the certification underscores the role building operations play in supporting more sustainable events.
The achievement also establishes a foundation for Javits Center to continue to measure its performance, strengthen operating practices and advance its sustainability goals.
“Sustainability isn’t just a box to check. It’s part of who we are at Javits Center,” said Yashi Dadhich, Senior Director of Energy & Sustainability at Javits Center. “We are constantly exploring ways to embed sustainability into our operations, and this recognition demonstrates the impact of that commitment. I’m excited to continue this work and innovate new ways to simplify the process.”
These efforts complement Javits Center’s broader sustainability initiatives, including its green roof and rooftop farm, solar energy infrastructure and JavitsCares donation p
