Panama City, July 18 - AtPanama Convention Center (PCC) committed to responsible and transparent management of its operation and in order to promote sustainability and environmental conservation, as of today it has established the measure of replacing single-use plastics with biodegradable containers and bottles. plastics by tetrapak, whose material is made from sugar cane.
As a key player in the events and conventions industry, we recognize the importance of taking responsibility in adopting greener and more sustainable practices. The ban on plastic bottles is a crucial step to reduce our carbon footprint and minimize the negative impact on the environment, said Rodolfo Del Valle, General Director of the Panama Convention Center.
El Panama Convention Center has made notable progress in the area of sustainability, officially adopting Tetra Pak cartons for water, completely eliminating the use of plastic bottles and significantly reducing the consumption of single-use plastic. This initiative demonstrates a proactive vision towards reducing plastic waste and highlights the importance of preserving our oceans and ecosystems. Tetra Pak cardboard packaging is 100% recyclable and its use contributes significantly to the conservation of the environment, avoiding the pollution of seas and rivers with single-use plastics.
It is important to note that, by prohibiting the use of plastic bottles, it not only reduces the amount of waste generated in the Panama Convention Center, but the emission of greenhouse gases associated with its production and transport. This initiative aligns with its commitment to actively contribute to the fight against climate change and promote responsible practices within the events industry.
This center is proud to lead this movement towards sustainability and hopes that other institutions and organizations will follow our lead in taking similar steps. We invite all events held at our facilities to join us in this collective effort to protect our planet and preserve it for future generations.
On the other hand, as part of its focus on energy efficiency and thermal load reduction, it installed approximately 5,000 meters of smoked paper on the building's façade. This measure not only improves energy efficiency by reducing heat input, but also enhances the protection of the building against solar radiation, strengthening its resistance and durability of the center. With this innovative approach, the Panama Convention Center, remains in constant search for solutions that balance functional design with environmental responsibility.
At the same time, reinforcing its commitment to remain at the forefront in terms of comprehensive solid waste management, the Panama Convention Center It has properly equipped areas for the collection, classification and disposal of waste generated during events such as assembly supplies, decoration and/or food. In this sense, during the first half of the year, a total of 9,657 pounds of waste have been recycled.
In addition to these initiatives, the Panama Convention Center has implemented a number of additional measures to reduce its carbon footprint. The installation of 6 electric vehicle chargers encourages the adoption of sustainable mobility and promotes the transition towards cleaner energy. Also, the Panama Convention Center stands out for its efficient water management, collecting, treating and distributing drinking and waste water that is reused in toilets and irrigation systems in green areas. This intelligent practice guarantees a responsible use of water and contributes to the preservation of this vital resource. Finally, the Panama Convention Center optimizes electrical energy consumption through the use of LED lights with motion sensors and makes the most of natural light, thus promoting a more sustainable and efficient operation.
ABOUT THE PANAMA CONVENTION CENTER
Considered one of the largest structures in the region for congresses and conventions, the Panama Convention Center, with a privileged location and unbeatable value, is a building that has 15,400 square meters of exhibition area, a 4,000-square-meter banquet hall and 2,400 square meters in total of 16 meeting rooms, 1,700 parking spaces and a kitchen with the capacity to serve up to 5,000 diners. This building is operated by SMG Latin America, a subsidiary of ASM Global, a leading company in the management of convention centers, arenas, and stadiums.