5 Things to Know About Sustainable Agriculture at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

If you’re planning an event in Columbia, SC, and care about sustainability, look no further than Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Our convention center is where you’re as likely to find a gathering place as you are fresh flavors and sustainable practices. Here are five ways sustainability is a vital part of CMCC’s daily practices.

1. It’s Homegrown
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center sources the majority of its catered food from within 150 miles during growing seasons. That means your meals are packed with fresh Southern ingredients from Springer Mountain Farms chicken to Adluh grits milled next door to our convention center. It does not get more local than that!

2. Resourceful Voices in the Kitchen
Executive Chef Tommy Kasperski is passionate about sustainability and flavor. He works with clients to create custom menus that highlight seasonal ingredients and local vendors. “It’s not a fad. It’s a way of life,” he says. With Columbia’s long growing season and coastal access, the menu is always filled with fresh ideas. Case in point: pan-seared grouper with corn crab ragout and bleu cheese gratin potatoes. 

3. A Sustainable Lifecycle That Tastes Better
All back-of-house food waste is composted, with nearly 28,000 pounds in 2023 alone. That compost is turned into nutrient rich soil and able to be purchased by South Carolina farmers, completing a cycle that starts and ends with the growers. 

4. Smart Recycling, Big Impact
CMCC diverted 41% of its waste from landfills last year. That includes 35,800 pounds of recycled materials and nearly 2,000 pounds of used cooking oil repurposed into biodiesel. From cardboard to cooking oil, CMCC proves that good old-fashioned kindness is alive and well in how we treat the planet.

5. Green From the Ground Up
The building itself is a model of energy efficiency. With 100% LED lighting, automated HVAC systems, and low flow plumbing, CMCC saves approximately 410,000 gallons of water annually. It’s more than just a gathering place, but it’s a place where sustainability is built into every corner.