Sustainability at the National Western Center

At the National Western Center, sustainability is more than an initiative; it is a long-term commitment woven into the future of our campus. From daily operations to large-scale events, we are focused on creating a more sustainable, regenerative, and community-centered environment for Denver and beyond.

As one of the most unique event and community campuses in the country, we continue to prioritize innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact while supporting the thousands of visitors, partners, vendors, and events hosted on campus each year.

A Campus Built with Purpose

We integrate sustainability into the development and operation of the National Western Center campus, with goals centered on waste diversion, renewable energy production, water conservation, improved air quality, and circular systems that reduce unnecessary waste.

Across campus, our sustainability efforts are reflected in energy-efficient infrastructure, water-conscious landscaping, and operational practices designed to reduce environmental impact. We also prioritize mobility initiatives, healthier building environments, and the reuse of materials whenever possible to support a more responsible and resilient future.

Check out more information: Sustainability – National Western Center

Turning Waste into Opportunity

One of the most impactful sustainability efforts is our waste diversion program. Across campus and event venues, guests will find accessible disposal stations for compost, recycling, aluminum, and landfill materials, making it easier to participate in sustainable practices during events and daily operations.

Our program focuses on diverting materials away from landfills whenever possible through composting, recycling, reuse, and responsible waste management systems. Materials including plastics, cardboard, aluminum, paper products, food waste, landscaping materials, and compostable service ware are carefully sorted to maximize diversion and reduce contamination. Our dedicated sustainability team plays a key role in this effort, actively sorting materials during events and ensuring compostable and recyclable items are properly diverted.

In 2025, we made measurable progress across campus operations, including diverting more than 8,294 pounds of compost from landfills and recycling nearly 2,895 pounds of aluminum materials. During previous campus development phases, solar panels were installed in 2022 as part of the campus’s broader sustainability infrastructure. These installations serve as a renewable energy source for campus buildings and also support reduced- or no-cost solar energy access for Denver residents and businesses through the City’s Renewable Denver Community Solar initiative. These efforts are further supported by the continued expansion of material diversion across approximately 20 categories of waste and recyclable materials.

Collaboration Drives Change

Sustainability at the National Western Center is made possible through collaboration between campus partners, vendors, event producers, and operational teams working together toward shared goals.

Our sustainability efforts are built on the foundation of extensive infrastructure investments led by the City of Denver, designed to support long-term environmental resilience across campus. Building on that foundation, our food and beverage partner, the SSA Group, supports ongoing sustainability practices using BPI-certified compostable service ware, including cups, containers, and utensils that help reduce landfill impact. Through continued collaboration with campus partners, vendors, and event producers, we are strengthening and expanding sustainability practices across all campus operations.

Sustainability is not a finish line; it is a continuous journey of innovation, accountability, and growth. Be part of our sustainable campus, book your event or check out our events calendar to attend and experience what the campus is all about.