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Sustainability

Tampa Convention Center is committed to using more sustainable options to the extent possible.

Energy

  • Efficient Chillers: Tampa Convention Center installed three Turbocor Chillers that utilize magnetic bearing technology, allowing electromagnets to “float” the rotating parts. This process reduces energy consumption for air conditioning and eliminates the need for the oil to be changed and disposed of. These units combined to produce 400 tons of cooling capacity.

  • Energy Management System: The Energy Management System is a computer-based control system, used to monitor and optimize the performance of HVAC systems and lighting in the building. This system utilizes CO2 levels to adjust ventilation, reducing energy consumption and lowering our carbon footprint. Tampa Convention Center can match cooling and heating needs to the varying levels needed for different types of events and the number of people present in the building at the particular time.

  • Energy Star Partner: Energy Star is a Federal EPA program that ranks buildings by their energy consumption compared to others of Energy Star Partner similar size and use. Tampa Convention Center ranks high at 84 percent of building efficiency as compared with other convention centers. By utilizing green building operations techniques, Tampa Convention Center has been able to optimize energy usage, helping offset power rate increases.

  • Daylight Harvesting: Tampa Convention Center practices daylight harvesting to utilize sunlight while turning off lighting during the day. This saves energy and reduces heat that is normally produced by the lighting fixtures. Additionally, the life span of bulbs is extended.

Facility Features

  • LED Lighting Upgrades: LED lighting was used for recently renovated spaces to lower energy use, maintenance, and heat generation.  Additionally, an ongoing program to replace older lighting technologies with LED lighting is being done. Tampa Convention Center has converted more than 60% of the fixtures to LED.

  • Elevator Upgrades: Elevator upgrades include the transition from hydraulic drive technology to a newer, more efficient traction drive. This not only will reduce energy consumption, but also allows Tampa Convention Center to move away from petroleum-based hydraulic fluid.Hydration Stations

  • Hydration Stations: Two water cooler/filling station combinations have replaced existing traditional fountains at Tampa Convention Center to evaluate the maintenance requirements and collect consumer comments on usability. In addition to encouraging tap water use, the stations provide a more efficient water transfer mechanism for filling containers, resulting in less water wastage and energy loss. The stations feature energy-efficient refrigeration systems and help offset the disposal of plastic water bottles.

  • Painting: All coatings and paints used at Tampa Convention Center are low Volatile Organic Contaminant (VOC) materials.

Food & Beverage (F&B)

  • Sustainable Products: The F&B program at Tampa Convention Center uses paper straws, compostable plastic ware, and recycled paper products at The Sail Plaza. Recycled paper vessels, napkins and bags are used at all indoor concessions.  Grab-and-go containers are also biodegradable plastic.  Drinks are served in compostable plastic cups and recycled paper cups with plastic lids and straws optional.

  • Food Donations: Unused food that is deemed safe for consumption such as whole fruits and vegetables, bread, bagels, and bottled/canned beverages, is donated to local charities by our in-house F&B provider. 

Waste

  • Material Donations: We encourage and make it easy for clients to donate excess materials such as show bags, paper, notepads, office supplies, fun promotional items, and anything else a student, teacher or family could use to the Hillsborough Education Foundation Teaching Tools program & Habitat for Humanity Hillsborough Restore.

  • Recycling: Tampa Convention Center has recycling containers both within and outside the building for food and beverage packaging and bottles. Additionally, we recycle large volumes of cardboard using our City of Tampa recycling compactor. We have created this guide to help encourage proper recycling practices.

  • Green Paper Products & Supplies: Tissue made from LEED-certified renewable fibers is used in all restrooms along with Green Seal Certified paper towels.  Our lavender hand soap is Safer Choice Certified and our cleaning supply program includes Green Seal Certified, USDA Bio-Based Certified and Safer Choice Certified products.


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