Panama, July 08, 2024. Given that the events industry increasingly demands the incorporation of sustainability criteria in organizational management, mainly with a focus on environmental issues, the Panama Convention Center (PCC) focuses on responsible waste management, reducing carbon footprint and optimization of resources, such as energy. For this reason, it recently published its Sustainability Policy to comprehensively address and mitigate the impacts that the meetings industry has on the environment and communities.
“We are part of an industry that contributes significantly to the economic development of the country, but we are also aware that we generate tons of waste. Therefore, we decided to position ourselves as agents of change, implementing practices to reduce our environmental impact and promoting sustainable and inclusive environments for our teams, clients, partners and communities”, declared Rodolfo Del Valle, General Director of the Panama Convention Center.
On the one hand, and as part of its long-term vision, the Panama Convention Center has proposed to reduce its carbon footprint by 25% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 in all the events it hosts. In addition, the PCC stands out for being the first convention center in the country to have 6 chargers for electric vehicles, thus promoting the adoption of sustainable mobility and the transition towards cleaner energy.
On the other hand, the PCC collected and processed approximately 25,600 pounds of waste in 2023. In the first five months of 2024, about 10,507 pounds have already been managed, managing to divert a significant amount of waste from landfills. Also in 2024, it implemented the policy of "zero plastic uses", completely eliminating single-use plastics in its facilities and opting for biodegradable materials and sustainable packaging made from sugar cane.
To support this commitment, the center has received the “Reduce Your Corporate Footprint” (RTH Corporate) recognition seals, promoted by the Ministry of the Environment, carrying out exhaustive measurements of all aspects that influence the carbon footprint. It will soon receive official recognition from the competent authority.
Since its inauguration, the Panama Convention Center has established itself as the epicenter of meeting tourism in the region, attracting thousands of national and international visitors each year. However, beyond being a host of high-level events, the center has distinguished itself for its commitment to the growth of various economic activities in its surroundings and environmental sustainability. This duality, between being a generator of progress for Panama and an active promoter of sustainable development, not only defines its identity, but also its long-term determination to contribute to the sustained and equitable growth of the country.
About the Panama Convention Center:
Considered one of the largest structures in the region for congresses and conventions, the PCC, with a privileged location and unmatched value, is a building that has 15,400 m2 of exhibition area, a 4,000 m2 banquet hall and 2,400 m2 in total of 16 meeting rooms, 1,700 parking spaces and a kitchen with the capacity to serve up to 5,000 guests. 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.