New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

•  Achieved LEED Gold certification, a globally recognized benchmark for excellence in sustainable design and environmental performance
• The largest convention center project in the U.S. certified under LEED v4.1 Operations and Maintenance
• First convention center in the world to be awarded initial certification under LEED v4.1 O+M
• Delivered measurable efficiency gains through sustained reductions in both electricity and water usage
• Recycling programs consistently divert hundreds of tons of materials from landfills, reinforcing a long-term commitment to waste reduction and sustainability
• Transformed two lanes of traffic into 7.5 acres of linear green space with over 200 trees and more than 150 irises planted in the park's garden

Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) Oyster Shell Recycling Program

CRCL partners with more than 30 restaurants in the New Orleans area, as well as five drop-off locations, to collect oyster shell and return them to the water, where oyster reefs slow erosion and create habitat for new oysters to grow. Since 2014, CRCL has recycled more than 15 million pounds of shell, making this Oyster Shell Recycling Program one of the largest such programs in the country. CRCL partners with coastal communities and volunteers to place the shell into biodegradable mesh bags and then place the shell in the water. They’ve built seven reefs so far protecting over 8,000 feet of shoreline and they're just getting started.

RECYCLE DAT!

A citywide Mardi Gras recycling initiative developed in collaboration with New Orleans & Company, the City of New Orleans, and local recycling partners encourages residents and visitors to recycle glass, aluminum cans, and Mardi Gras beads throughout the Carnival season.

• The New Orleans Office of Resilience & Sustainability (ORS) partnered with New Orleans & Company, Grounds Krewe, Glass Half Full, Osprey Initiative, and other coalition members for the third year of promoting a more sustainable Mardi Gras
• On average, Carnival season recycling efforts divert 73,858 total pounds of materials from landfills, including 3,828 pounds of aluminum (approximately 100,000 cans), 905 pounds of plastic bottles (approximately 23,490 bottles), 46,321 pounds of glass, and 22,803 pounds of Mardi Gras beads and throws, demonstrating the scale and impact of ongoing waste-reduction initiatives.
• Through the combined efforts of these partners, the environmental footprint of Mardi Gras has been significantly reduced and showcases the community's commitment to sustainability as well as the cultural shift towards eco-friendly practices and environmental stewardship in New Orleans

Glass Half Full

• Recycles Louisiana’s glass “waste,” both residential and commercial, into sand and gravel for disaster relief and prevention, coastal restoration, eco-construction, new glass products, and more
• Commercial pickup program helps 80+ clients across multiple industries, including hotels, bars, restaurants, casinos, and offices, optimize their sustainability practices and reduce garbage collection costs
• GHF has diverted over 8 million pounds of glass from landfills

Louisiana Wind Energy Hub at UNO

• The Beach at UNO, the University’s research and technology park, hosts the Gulf’s Premier ecosystem for innovation, entrepreneurship, and education in offshore wind energy, which strives to accelerate the growth of the state’s wind energy innovation ecosystem
• The Louisiana Wind Energy Hub at UNO accelerated the growth of the state’s wind energy industry by supporting research, spurring new technologies, and supplying training professionals
• The U.S. Interior Secretary set out a schedule for up to 12 wind energy lease sales through 2028, including three in the Gulf of Mexico

H2theFuture Coalition GRANT

• U.S. Economic Development Association (EDA) awarded a $50 million federal grant to H2theFuture to develop a clean hydrogen energy cluster in South Louisiana
• A key deliverable is an end-use hydrogen project at the Port of South Louisiana, including infrastructure for hydrogen production and fueling
• New Energy Center of the U.S. (NEXUS) will be established at The Beach at UNO and serve as the physical and programmatic hub for a range of clean energy initiatives.

New Orleans & Company advances long-term sustainability through industry partnerships and community action:

• Zero Waste Challenge with Life City that engages hospitality businesses in waste reduction, recycling, composting, and resource conservation
• Love the Boot Week, mobilizing thousands of volunteers to remove hundreds of tons of litter statewide while supporting tree planting, landscape improvements, and garden restoration across communities

In addition to litter removal, volunteers focused on community beautification, planting 370 trees and 3,542 plants, and refurbishing 146 gardens.