Georgia Dome - About the Dome

GWCCA Green Mission Statement

growing green The Georgia World Congress Center Authority, which includes the Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park, is committed to implementing sustainable practices in pursuit of environmental responsibility. Partnering with our customers in this endeavor, we acknowledge the tremendous impact our industry can have on the environment—either positive or negative—and choose to continually work towards a positive difference. We take the responsibility of maintaining our 200-acre campus for the citizens of Georgia seriously and adopt environmental stewardship as the best way to preserve these facilities as great economic assets to our community. With an ongoing evaluation of our current needs and how they will effect future generations, we strive to ever-increase our green practices and initiatives. The mission of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority is to enhance the overall quality of life for every Georgian, and by choosing environmental responsibility as our standard operating procedure, these facilities will enhance the quality of life for generations of Georgians.
GEORGIA DOME Growing Green Initiatives

Working with the Customer - The Georgia Dome works closely with customers to meet their specific green needs. Many of our annual clients have taken advantage of recycling in back of the house and public areas during Dome events.
Food Bank - The Georgia Dome and Levy Restaurants, the center’s exclusive caterer, work closely with the Atlanta Community Food Bank to ensure left over food and supplies from events do not go to waste. Over 30,000 lbs. of food were donated in FY2008.
Composting – The GWCC and Levy Restaurants have partnered with Closed Loop Organics for composting food waste at the convention center.
Internal Education - The Georgia Dome recognizes the importance of educating staff in order to ensure that sustainability practices are adopted campus-wide. Employees recently participated in a four-part workshop series called “Growing Green”. The internal campus newsletter, which is distributed twice a month, contains green facts and tips in each issue and a green reference library for employees is under development. There are also several bulletin boards across campus that display facts, figures and tips about recycling at work and at home.
Recycling - An increased emphasis has been placed on recycling during the past year. During just the last three months of 2008, over 19,700 lbs. of waste were diverted from the landfill via recycling efforts. A baler is now located on campus for recycling corrugated board. Every office has a small blue recycling container so employees can easily recycle in their area.
Aluminum - During Dome events, aluminum cans are collected by Dome staff and placed in a separate container. Newell Recycling collects that aluminum post-event and then reports the tonnage to the Dome.
Purchasing - As current inventories are depleted, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority and Levy Restaurants are purchasing green supplies. Examples include exclusively purchasing green cleaning chemicals for cleaning and maintaining the facilities, as well as, recyclable or compostable containers for use in the employee cafeteria.
Building Renovations - Renovations during the 2006, 2007 and 2008 off seasons included the installation of energy efficient light fixtures, televisions and kitchen equipment; sink aerators; low flow urinals and toilets that reduced water consumption from 3 to 1.5 and 5 to 1.5 gallons respectively; energy and water efficient cooling towers; and motion activated sensors were added to the light fixtures in every administrative office and storage room to reduce electricity use.
Steel - During the renovation/replacement of the Dome’s two end zone Megavision video boards, 14,262 lbs of steel has been recycled to date.

DOME Green Facts
Air Quality

Outside air ventilation is mixed into the return air.
The Dome is a non-smoking building.
Carpet is 80 percent wool, 20 percent nylon, meeting the Carpet & Rug Institute's (CRI) Indoor Air Quality criteria.

Energy Efficiency

HVAC is regulated in all areas of the building at all times by the automatic control system.
Windows have high E-rating.
Temperature is monitored at higher set points, in order to reduce energy consumption.
Florescent and metal halide lighting are used for longer life and efficient energy consumption.

Environmental Purchases

Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) adhesives are used.
Water based paints are used.

Waste Minimization

Pallets and cardboard are recycled.
Left-over food is donated to the local food bank - over 30,000 lbs. of food were donated in FY2008.
Food waste is diverted and used for composting.
Tools and supplies left over from events are donated to local food bank and Habitat for Humanity.
Paper, plastic, glass and aluminum are recycled from all internal offices.
Juice, tea and coffee are served in pitchers instead of plastic bottles.
China service is available for any event.

Internal Practices

Paper, plastic, glass, aluminum and cardboard recycling.
Employee Education: Growing Green Workshops and weekly green messaging.
Green Team meets several times per month.
Recycled paper is purchased for use in offices.
Campus maps printed on recycled paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Collateral materials printed on post-consumer waste fibers.
Bike racks & proximity to MARTA promote green friendly ways to get to work as well as internal promotion of the Clean Air Campaign.
State-of-the-art controls system is used for lighting, HVAC, fire protection and security.
The West Plaza and International Plaza incorporate a downtown green space over the parking deck.

Water Conservation

8% less consumed in 2008 than 2007 and 14% less consumed in 2007 than 2006.
Water aerators have been installed on sinks and low flow devices on the toilets and urinals to reduce water consumption.
Gray water usage: left-over water from meetings is used to water plants and un-used ice is recaptured after major events.