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.
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 energy 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:
- Removing 390 passenger vehicles from the road or
- Reducing oil consumption by 4,956 barrels per year or
- The electricity used by 282 homes in one year or
- The carbon sequestered annually by 484 acres of trees or
- The carbon sequestered by 54,646 tree seedlings grown for 10 years or
- Preserving 14.8 acres of forest from deforestation or
- The recycling of 734 tons of waste instead of sending it to a landfill
The Solar project qualified for the Plansmart New Jersey Resource Efficiency Achievement Award and is a candidate for the Platts Global Energy Award for Energy Construction Project of the Year.
- The Energy S.O.P. is updated twice a year in order to reduce electrical and thermal consumption.
- Energy usage and rates have been favorable this year to achieve some record low months. We reduced electricity usage by 10% and cooling by 52%.
- Atrium Ceiling Fans: Project was completed and is estimated to produce $80,000 in thermal savings per year.
- Solar Photovoltaic Panels: Project was completed and produced 28% of annual electrical consumption. We have produced in 2009 2,764,235 kWh. This is the equivalent to avoiding:
- 2,245 metric tons CO2
- 252,530 gallons of gasoline
- 5,221 barrels of oil
- 292 homes electricity for 1 year
Current Projects
- BW Hall and ACCC Lighting retrofits were completed with respective NJ Smart Start rebates of $10,315 and $7,010 received.
- Thermal Plant Contract – Reviewing rate structure with Conectiv to consider rate reductions.
- Lighting Audit & Remaining Retrofits – completed Audit and preparing documents to be considered for grant/loan considerations.
- Hot Water Heater replacement – replaced the unit with a more efficient model in late May. The NJ Smart Start rebate is $3,832.50.
- Steam System Survey and Modifications – Concord Atlantic Engineers reviewed systems for upgrades. They include steam trap replacements, isolation valves and insulation repairs. Preparing documents for grant/loan considerations.
Future Projects
Look for more green meeting facilities and venues in Atlantic City in the near future, including:
- Wind turbine: System could produce approximately 16% of annual electrical consumption. Feasibility studies and surveying have been performed. A rebate application has been filed with the N.J. Board of Public Utilities. ARRA Grant application was approved for $1.5 million.
- Replace ACCC outdoor marquee display and indoor astrovision.
- Replace Truss lighting at BW Hall with LED lighting.
- Water conservation projects such as the waterless urinals.
- Investigating feasibility for Solar Power installations at Rail Terminal & Boardwalk Hall
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.
Recycling Efforts
At the Atlantic City Convention Center, recycling efforts for the year to date, have included:
- Paper, cardboard: 26,220 lbs.
- Glass, Plastic, Aluminum, Bottles & Cans, Shrink Wrap: 6.25 tons
- Lamps: 1,650
- Ballasts: 2,350
- Miscellaneous Iron and Steel: 69,598 lbs.
- Carpet: 4,500 lbs.
- Solar Project: 11.17 tons of corrugated board and 9.5 tons of pallets.
- Show Materials Landscaping: Installed at the facility as part of Landscaping improvements.
- Recyclable replacement cartridges on soap dispensers.
- Printer cartridges
- Cooking oil
Operations Green Products
- Hand vacuums, floor mats, toilet paper, paper towels, hand towels, air fresheners tissues and foam soap.
- Office paper and printer cartridges.
- Eliminating disposable cups in the office. Reducing paper use in the office by using recycled paper for notepads and using the computer for calendar functions, etc.
- Concrete areas are power-washed versus the use of chemicals.
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.
Food Service Green Products
Introduced a “Green” line of disposable products ranging from compostable cutlery kits and plates to eco-friendly coffee cups and stirrers.
Community Outreach
The Convene Green Alliance
In March 2008, the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority was invited to participate 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.
Download an information packet of
Atlantic City’s Green Initiatives.