With an emphasis on reducing our overall environmental impact while benefiting and improving the local community, Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, and Galleria Specialty Shops are committed to reviewing, changing and implementing policies and sustainability initiatives, which work to strengthen our environmental principles. Our goal is to improve, maintain and apply practices that will reduce impact on the environment, benefit the local community and make economic sense.
While we realize that this effort is never complete and always evolving, below is a list of some of the things we are doing to promote environmental sustainability:
Recycling
- Shipping pallets are reused or recycled
- Batteries are recycled
- Flourescent bulbs are recycled
- Grease is recycled into biodiesel fuel
- Toner cartridges are recycled
- Use of masonite for carpet protection, eliminating the use of disposable carpet shield
Energy/Water
- ALTO fluorescent bulbs (low mercury) where possible
- Integrated “Building Management System” that has reduced electricity and gas costs/consumption exponentially
- Motion-censored lights (since 1994)
- LED lighting throughout facility
- Restricted use of HVAC during move-in/move-out days in the exhibit halls to eliminate the energy waste of operating HVAC systems when the loading dock doors are open
- Low-flow toilets
- Planting of perennials instead of annuals in flower beds – perennials grow deeper roots and require less watering
- Chemical treatment and monitoring to maintain water quality for HVAC
- Biodiesel partnership with Southern Green Industries to recycle all of the grease from our kitchen
- Replacement of 12 rooftop HVAC units with anticipated 15% reduction in energy usage
Food and Beverage
- On-site garden with three raised beds and many perennials
- Local and regional food sourcing when possible
- Clients are discouraged from using disposables on their buffets and breaks (china and linen are highly encouraged)
- Water urns provided on request instead of bottled water at meetings
- Left-over food donated to Atlanta’s Table
- Minimal use of pre-packaged condiments
Office
- Major reduction in paper through “going electronic” with most operational documents (Proposals, Contracts, Event Orders, Invoices, Service Order Forms, etc.)
- Major reduction in paper through minimal production of collateral materials and only electronic production of newsletters