Sustainable Meetings Destination
The Salt Lake community, in collaboration with city and county governments, is deeply committed to the preservation and enhancement of our man-made and natural surroundings, taking a proactive stance in addressing sustainability concerns. Together, we establish goals and strategies to safeguard our precious resources, combat pollution, mitigate climate change, and foster resilience and vibrancy in this remarkable destination.
Salt Lake has over 20 years of sustainable meetings development. In 2002, Salt Lake was host city of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, the "greenest" Olympic Games to date. 100,000 people per day attended events and activities in that required extensive recycling efforts, composting, mass transit, and more green event practices that have now become mainstream in today's industry.
Since the Olympic Games concluded, Salt Lake has worked to maintain a high level of environmental stewardship. Setting a remarkable precedent, Salt Lake has achieved all five Sustainable Event Standards recognized by the Events Industry Council (EIC), surpassing any other destination worldwide. Since 2017, we have diverted over 700,000 pounds of trade show materials and 100,000 surplus meals from landfills, channeling them back into the local community.
Meeting Venue: Salt Palace Convention Center
- Salt Lake County installed a 2 megawatt rooftop solar array atop the Salt Palace Convention Center in the heart of downtown Salt Lake.
- The 2006 expansion of the SPCC was awarded the U.S. Green Building Council's Silver LEED Certification for being designed and constructed utilizing environmentally responsible methods and materials.
- Construction materials used for the 2006 expansion including steel, carpet and drywall were made with at least 10% recycled content. Adhesives, carpet and paint were all manufactured with low-emitting chemical materials.
- Other rooftop solar panels provide 20 kilowatt hours/day to power the underground parking lighting.
- Administrative offices use motion sensors for lighting systems.
- Restroom paper products have at least 20% PCC.
- Single stream recycling to divert plastic, aluminum, cardboard, and paper. With other usable items donated to local non-profits like schools.
- All departments and partners participate in a diversion tracking system to collect data on our green practices and work toward a goal of 70% diversion
- Improved centralized control systems and energy efficient operations of the HVAC system have provided a 35-40% energy savings in the 2006 building expansion, and a 25% energy savings in the original facility.
- Indoor air quality standard is monitored by increasing the air exchange rate in the facility.
- Water-conserving bathroom fixtures include hands free faucets, low flow toilets and waterless urinals.
- Drip irrigation systems and water-efficient landscaping minimizes the SPCC's water use.
- Bike racks are available in the parking structure to promote the use of alternative transportation.
- Preferred parking stalls are offered for all carpooling attendees/employees at the SPCC.
Sustainable Salt Lake: The Salt Palace Convention Center
Transportation & Accessibility
- Leave the car behind: the Salt Palace Convention Center is conveniently located within walking distance of more than 8,000 hotel rooms, 200+ restaurants, cafés and bars, and numerous arts, culture, and entertainment venues.
- Salt Lake's TRAX light rail Free Fare Zone connects the Salt Palace Convention Center with Convention District hotels and downtown activities/attractions, reducing the need for shuttle transportation.
- Salt Lake's TRAX light rail connects Salt Lake City International Airport to the Salt Lake Convention District.
- Salt Lake City International Airport is located just 15 minutes from the Salt Lake Convention District.
- Half the U.S. population is located within a 2.5 hour flight of Salt Lake.
- Salt Lake has over 70 miles of light rail and commuter rail along the Wasatch Front corridor, connecting 76% of the state's population with mass transit.
Local hotels unique to Salt Lake are also committed to sustainability practices. You can find their programs and policies at the links below.