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:

• Window glass classified as low “E,” controlling the amount of UV Light that flows into the Center
• Work lights reduced to 50% for trade show move ins and move outs
• Energy minimized by not running HVAC during move ins and move outs
• Escalators are kept off when certain parts of the building are not in use
• Recommended to all employees with computers to power down at night to save energy
• Meeting room lights are kept off when not in use
• Event Managers carry thermometers to regulate center temperature at 72 degrees
• Capability to recycle all paper, plastic and cardboards
• 40% of post consumer recycled toilet paper and paper towel throughout the Center
• All cardboard is bound and recycled
• Recycling programs for paper and aluminum cans available in all administrative areas of the Center
• 50% of cleaning supplies are environmentally safe
• Energy savers on all printers, which also power down in stages over an hour
• Recycle all toner cartridges as well as batteries

Food and Beverage:

• Buying local foods
• Use the process of bundling, which limits the number of distributors of goods ultimately limiting carbon emissions and dependence on oil
• Using paper boxes for box lunches instead of Styrofoam
• Usage of plastic cups use are made from a biodegradable corn material
• Usage of biodegradable coffee cups from leading green company, Hofmaster
• Usage of 65% post consumer recycled paper napkins and cloth napkins whenever possible
• All cooking oil is recycled
• Food donated to United House of Prayer or local food banks
• Large events utilize bulk teas and waters
• Limited usage of prepackage goods to cut down on waste
• New catering menus offer organic and locally grown options

Read more on the Charlotte Convention Center's Green Initiatives:

• Destination Charlotte Fall 2007(PDF) • USAE Advertorial December, 2007 (PDF) • USAE Advertorial January, 2008 (PDF) [ View PDFs with Acrobat. Free Download ]