Green Initiatives Grow in Atlantic City!

Located just blocks from the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, the Atlantic City Convention Center is committed to preserving its unique seaside environment while providing a safe, healthy atmosphere for our guests. “Going Green” has consistently been one of the Center’s main operating objectives. Several initiatives have already been implemented throughout the facility while others are in the works. Management remains committed to exploring new opportunities to better conserve and reuse our valuable resources. Below is a compilation of several of the green projects currently planned or in use at the Convention Center.


Conservation Efforts

The Solar Project

On June 18, 2008 the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority announced plans to install the largest single roof-mounted solar array in the United States on top of the Atlantic City Convention Center. A 20-year contract was awarded to Pepco Energy Services, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), who will build, own, operate and maintain the 2.36-megawatt rooftop solar power system for the Center. Construction began during the month of June and was completed by December 31, 2008. The Convention Center is operated by the management company SMG.

Now completed, the solar power system, comprised of approximately 13,486 modules/panels, covers two-thirds of the main roof of the convention center or about 290,000 square feet. The Atlantic City Convention Center as a result of the solar project anticipates saved nearly $4.4 million in electricity costs over the 20-year contract. In greener terms, this avoids the release of 2,349 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. That is equivalent to:

The following images detail the construction process.

Big Ass Fans

In January 2009 the Atlantic City Convention Center installed four super-sized fans on the ceiling of its four-story atrium as part of continuing efforts to incorporate more green into operating procedures. The industrial fans, manufactured by the Big Ass Fan Company, measure 16 feet and 20 feet in diameter and will save an estimated $80,000 in heating and cooling costs per year for the Center.


Atlantic City Harnesses Wind Power

In 2005, five 380-foot high wind turbines were erected at the Atlantic County Utilities Authority Wastewater Treatment Facility in Atlantic City. The turbines power the facility, with any excess energy being directed to the main power grid. It is estimated that the energy produced by the wind farm will save the energy equivalent of 23,613 barrels of crude oil. Led by the city’s example, the Atlantic City Convention Center is currently researching the feasibility of installing a single wind turbine. The turbine is expected to produce approximately 16% of annual electrical consumption. We have received a $1.5 million grant from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) and researching funding for the balance of the project


Retrofits

In 2007and 2008, the Center’s Back-of-house Garage, Stairwell and Office Lighting retrofit was completed, with a savings of more than $20,000 in NJ Smart Start buildings rebates. We also installed a new energy efficient water heater which gave us a $4,000 rebate.

In 2009, we conducted energy audits for additional lighting retrofits and Steam system upgrades. We have been awarded a $50,000 incentive from NJ Clean Energy’s Pay for Performance Program.


Green Products

Green products now used by the Center’s operations staff include hand vacuums, floor mats, toilet paper, paper towels, hand towels, tissues, and foam soap.

We introduced a “green” line of disposable products ranging from compostable cutlery kits and plates to eco-friendly coffee cups and stirrers.


Recycling Efforts

At the Atlantic City Convention Center, recycling efforts over the past year have included:

Community Outreach

The Convene Green Alliance

In March 2008, the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority participated in the Focus Forum for the Convene Green Alliance. This organization gives corporations, associations and business facilities guidance on how to lessen the environmental impact of both their personal and professional activities and practices. The Convene Green Alliance holds educational events and forums to teach participating associations and organizations how they can work together collectively to reduce their impact on the environment. As a panelist on this forum, Gary Musich, VP of Convention Development for the Atlantic City Convention &Visitors Authority, provided the audience with several of the green initiatives that have already been implemented at the Atlantic City Convention Center as well as ones that will be considered for the future. This interactive discussion provided feedback and advice on how to effectively incorporate green practices into modern day industry standards and operations. Promoting positive change and reducing our environmental footprints has not only become a national industry initiative, but has also become one of our main goals as global warming is becoming more imminent in our world today.

To learn more about the Convene green Alliance visit www.convenegreen.com.

To download an information packet of Atlantic City’s Green Initiatives click here.
 

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