Charlotte Convention Center Green Initiatives
The Charlotte Convention Center has become one of a growing number of large convention facilities across the United States and the first in North Carolina to “go green.” In addition to procedures implemented in 2007 like the usage of biodegradable cups made from corn products, the facility has gone the extra mile and added substantial recycling programs, environmentally-friendly cleaning products, and energy-saving initiatives.
Part of the “going green” initiative means purchasing environmentally sensitive cleaning supplies, which are now cost-comparable and equally effective to conventional cleaning products, reducing the amount of chemicals used, and using equipment that utilizes less chemicals and as importantly – less water.
Green cleaning products reduce people’s exposure to irritants and toxic chemicals while protecting the health of custodial staff that work closely with the supplies. Long-term studies have demonstrated that some of the benefits of a green building and a green cleaning program are increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, as well as longevity and increased value for the building.
A list of all green initiatives currently in place at the Charlotte Convention Center follows:
Facility:
- The Charlotte Convention Center won in the category of “Green Building Management Project” at the Charlotte Business Journal Green Awards in April 2008
- Members of Mecklenburg County “Wipe Out Waste” program **In March 2000 won award for participation & contribution to waste reduction **Director of Facility Services, Wayne Jones, served on committee that designed the mandatory recycling program for Mecklenburg County
- Our energy management program is state-of-the-art working with our partner Johnson Controls on efficient management of the heat & air system (regulate center at 72 degrees); as well as scheduled operation of lights based on activity in the building
- Glass in the facility is classified as low ‘E’ – energy friendly – controls UV light flow into center
- Run lights at 50% and no HVAC during move-in and move-out to exhibit halls
- Run escalators in the building based on occupancy and event needs
- Recycle all aluminum cans, glass and plastic bottles disposed of by groups in the facility with clearly marked recycling bins throughout the facility
- Installed “Recycle” banners in all exhibit halls to encourage recycling
- 95% of cleaning supplies are environmentally safe and biodegradable. Installed 19 ‘blend centers’ by Spartan Chemical to dispense cleaning chemicals that are green certified
- Micro fiber cleaning materials used and Hepa filters installed in all vacuum cleaners
- Paper products (housekeeping) – 100% post consumer recycled toilet paper and paper towel throughout the building
- Installed 120 ‘foam soap’ dispensers using green certified soap which requires less water to rinse
- Installed auto flushers throughout facility in our water conservation efforts
- Install of water faucet aerators on every faucet in building to reduce water usage
- Bind & recycle all cardboard and have a separate 40 yard dumpster allocated for this exclusively
- Recycle approximately 800 pallets per year
- Office areas recycle paper, aluminum cans and power down computers at night.
- Utilize G&K Services for our uniform handling based on their recognition and environmental friendly practices – they have a waste water treatment plant on the facility that treats water prior to releasing it back into the county water system
- NFSI & USGBC approved walk-off mats are installed at every building entrance
- Use printers and copiers which are environmentally efficient in use of power – recycle toner cartridges
- All business cards, letterhead and envelopes are printed on 60% recycled – 30% post consumer paper
- Recycle lights bulbs via IBS Environmental Services; and batteries
- July/August 2009 removed and recycled original carpet; converted to clean alternate fuel
- July 2009 rubber airline hose from the exhibit level floor pits recycled
Food and Beverage:
- Offer the use of China, Glass and Silver whenever possible
- Offer clear beverage cups that are made from a biodegradable corn material (PLA)
- Use compostable boxes and utensils for box lunches
- Use biodegradable coffee cups from leading green company, Dixie Cup
- Usage of 65% post consumer recycled paper napkins By (Hoffmaster) and (Express Nap) or use cloth napkins whenever possible
- Buying foods locally, with the recent addition of the Farmers Fresh Market some of our offerings of local products has expanded considerably
- Catering menus offer organic and locally grown options. Also offered are local and regional Beer and Wine selections. Carolinas have many to choose from.
- All cooking oil is recycled
- Offer eatable center pieces as an option
- Use 5-gallon bulk water dispensers for groups, on request, in place of bottled water
- Bulk Beverages; Soda, Iced Tea, Coffee & Water available for most events
- Bulk products served whenever possible, reducing the use of prepackage goods to cut down on waste
- Recycling plastic, glass and aluminum
- New dishwashers installed 2007 reducing water consumption by more than 66%
- Set rooms and prepare meals only for the actual number guaranteed
- Leftover food is donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Projects in the Works
- Tables made out of 100% recycled aluminum for banquet sets and meeting rooms, reducing the need for table clothes
- Working with a local composting facility to compost all organic and disposable materials, reducing unnecessary landfill usage
