Rivers Casino Portsmouth Continues Commitment to Environmental Sustainability Ahead of Earth Day
PORTSMOUTH, Va.—April 18, 2023— Rivers Casino Portsmouth was recently awarded the 2023 Two Green Globes® certification for New Construction from the Green Building Initiative (GBI) — an international nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing climate impacts by improving the built environment. This recognition is awarded to organizations that have demonstrated significant accomplishments in resource efficiency, reducing environmental impacts, and enhancing occupant wellness.
Notable achievements in the Green Globes assessment include an integrated design approach that actively involved architects, engineers, and owners, measured energy savings, hundreds of new trees and landscaping dispersed across the site, and water reduction through traditional plumbing fixtures and food service equipment.
In 2012, Rivers Casino in Des Plaines solidified the brand’s presence in the green building movement — making history as the first casino in the world to achieve the LEED Gold certification.
“It’s impressive to be Virginia’s first permanent casino to receive this certification for new construction from GBI. We are proud to join the ranks of our other Rivers Casino properties with exemplary sustainable design and construction,” said Tim Drehkoff, CEO of Rivers Casino Portsmouth and Rush Street Gaming. “We appreciate our entire development team, including Klai Juba Wald and Ballard-Yates, for their instrumental role in this achievement.”
Ongoing Environmental Commitments
As part of its commitment to supporting environmental sustainability efforts, on May 5, Rivers Casino Portsmouth will also lock arms with the Elizabeth River Project — a local nonprofit leading the effort to restore the Elizabeth River through government, business, and community partnerships.
Through the Rivers Gives community outreach program, volunteers from the casino will support a cleanup effort at Paradise Creek — a 40-acre waterfront park located just three miles from the casino. This project follows the casino’s service day in March where team members participated in Portsmouth’s city-wide cleanup initiative.
In addition, the casino has designated the Elizabeth River Project as the nonprofit partner for this month. Throughout the month of April, guests will be encouraged to donate chips, slot vouchers, or cash to support the organization’s mission to create a clean, healthy river that helps our entire region.
“Rivers Casino has been nationally recognized for leadership in sustainable development, and our partnership with the Elizabeth River Project underscores our continued commitment to improving the environment – not only in the development space but also through grassroots cleanup initiatives here in Hampton Roads,” said Roy Corby, General Manager, Rivers Casino Portsmouth.