SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Officials at Saint Paul RiverCentre and Xcel Energy Center, in partnership with Progressive Associates, today released their third annual sustainability summary announcing the tremendous progress of their “80-20 in 3” initiative, a set of energy goals designed to increase efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of the facilities. In just three years, the campus increased its energy efficiency to 20.4% better than average buildings in the region while reducing its operational carbon footprint by 35%.

The facilities have been making strides since 2009 to become regional leaders in sustainability by implementing two aggressive sustainability programs, “50-50 in 2” and “80-20 in 3.” The annual summary profiles their efforts in keeping these sustainability programs at the forefront of environmentally conscious business practices.

Highlights from the 2011-12 sustainability summary include:

• The facilities received two prominent awards from the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Recycling Association of Minnesota
• An 82kW solar photovoltaic array was completed on the south wall of the Saint Paul RiverCentre Parking Ramp, which now generates about 100,000 kWh of electricity annually
• The annual recycling rate at these facilities is now at 56%
• The facilities collected their MILLIONTH pound of compost this past March
• Water usage has been reduced from the benchmark period by 40% or over 9 million gallons annually (equal to 1,000 tanker trucks)
• The Minnesota Wild offset their electricity use for the entire 2011-12 season through wind power purchases

“The numbers in this annual summary are incredibly rewarding,” said Karolyn Kirchgesler, President and CEO of Visit Saint Paul and the RiverCentre Authority. “But the greatest accomplishment is the fact that in just three years, we have changed the culture here and made sustainability a way of life in our everyday work.”

“To have a successful sustainability program, companies must view it as a continual process that involves more than just their organization,” said Jim Ibister, Vice President of Facility Administration for the Minnesota Wild and General Manager of Saint Paul RiverCentre. “The City of Saint Paul has been a tremendous partner in understanding our goals. With their dedicated support, we will continue to achieve the greatest results.”

The complete summary is available online at www.xcelenergycenter.com/sustainability/progressreports

About Saint Paul RiverCentre

Saint Paul RiverCentre is the city’s premier convention center that overlooks the bluffs of the Mississippi River. Featuring more than 250,000 square feet of versatile event space and flexible room configurations that include the Grand Ballroom and The Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium, Saint Paul RiverCentre is the preferred choice for hundreds of events each year including star-studded galas, trade shows and conventions.

About Xcel Energy Center

Regarded as one of the finest arenas in the world, Xcel Energy Center is home to the NHL's Minnesota Wild, the NLL's Minnesota Swarm and a multitude of premier sports and entertainment events annually. The one-of-a-kind, multi-purpose facility is located in the heart of downtown Saint Paul, owned by the City of Saint Paul and managed by Saint Paul Arena Company, an affiliate of Minnesota Sports & Entertainment.

About Visit Saint Paul

Saint Paul RiverCentre and The Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium are governed and operated by Visit Saint Paul. The mission of Visit Saint Paul is to generate economic growth for Saint Paul by effectively marketing the Saint Paul RiverCentre campus, the City of Saint Paul and the region as a preferred convention and tourism destination.