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Going Green

Spectrum Center is the Carolinas’ premium sustainable sports and entertainment venue, serving as a leader in sustainability best practices within the industry. We’re highly dedicated to driving change within the arena, while also promoting environmental awareness among fans in our community and across the Carolinas.

 

 

Awards and Recognitions

  • Front Office Sports’ Most Sustainable Award (2024)
  • Carolina Recycling Association (CRA) Innovation in Recycling Award (2024)
  • OakView Group GOAL (Green Operations & Advanced Leadership) Medals (2024) Three gold, three silver, eight bronze medals
  • True Zero-Waste Pre-Certification
  • GBI Net Zero Certification
  • WELL Health and Safety Rating
  • Sports Positive’s Climate Impact Reduction Finalist (2024)

 

 

Some notable accomplishments within Spectrum Center include:

 

Cleaning

Currently, chemicals being used to clean surfaces in the arena are approximately 85% green or green certified, with a goal of becoming 100% green.

 

 

Energy Management

Sixty five percent (65%) of the purchased energy within the arena comes from sustainable sources. In addition, all building lights at Spectrum Center are equipped with a low voltage control system, allowing lighting groups to be controlled at specific times and usage. Fluorescent lighting is utilized wherever possible throughout the arena, and the transition from incandescent to LED technology is underway.

Food Preparation and Service

All food service areas use earth-friendly plates, bowls, napkins, and utensils. Free range organic chicken and grass-fed beef are used, and all food items are free of any trans-fat. Additionally, the zero trans-fat fryer oil utilized in food preparation is recycled after each use

Food Waste

We’re proud to work with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina to donate left over food from arena events. In addition, each month we compost over 12,000 pounds from food scraps collected following arena events and games, which goes directly to farmers across the Carolinas.

 

 

Recycling

Around ninety percent (90%) of our recycled material stays within the Carolinas. In partnership with Coca-Cola Consolidated, more than 150 receptacles for recycling aluminum cans and plastic bottles have been distributed throughout the arena, collecting over 18 tons of aluminum and plastics in 2024.

 

 

In addition, Spectrum Center has:

 

  • Recycled 10 tons of glass via Envision Charlotte Innovation Barn’s Glass to Concrete program, which uses broken down glass to make pottery or ceramics. 
  • Recycled 700 pounds of textiles through the SpringClean program, creating teddy bears or dog beds that go back into the community.
  • Donated 400 pieces of furniture to Charlotte-area Habitat for Humanity ReStores.
  • Implemented a digital-first policy across the organization.

 

 

Water

Throughout the arena, low flow faucet adapters, sensor faucets and flush valves in restrooms have helped conserve water usage by up to 32%.

With the RE!magine Spectrum Center arena renovation project, sustainability continues to be top of mind in alignment with the City of Charlotte’s goals to be carbon-free by 2030 and to create a healthier city.