Energy
The facility is committed to the ongoing collection and tracking of the monthly energy usage and annual emissions performance data for the Spectrum Center.
Carbon
Efforts made by Spectrum Center to reduce site EUI and by Duke Energy to decarbonize the grid led to a reduction in carbon emissions of approximately 997 tonnes.
Net Zero Strategies
Owned by the City of Charlotte and operated by Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE), with back-of-house support from the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), Spectrum Center provided an important example of actionable net zero strategies for a large- scale sports and entertainment arena.
The building operators implemented initiatives to reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the City of Charlotte’s Strategic Energy Action Plan (SEAP), which aims to achieve carbon neutrality in municipal buildings and fleets by 2030. In 2022, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority began by analyzing data on kilowatt-hours generated during each event to establish a baseline. Using this data, they developed a plan to reduce energy consumption and set realistic goals. Each year, Spectrum Center participates in the City of Charlotte’s Power Down the Crown, a building energy performance benchmarking program that supports participants with educational opportunities and benchmarking technical assistance.
The Spectrum Center’s energy strategy has involved hybrid work schedules for full-time staff to reduce energy usage in office spaces, motion sensors installed in restrooms and break rooms, and a low-voltage control system to manage lighting throughout the arena and minimize usage. The building is currently transitioning from incandescent bulbs to LED technology.
Benefits of the Journey to Net Zero
GBI’s Journey to Net Zero is a highly adaptable rating system that can be used for all types of commercial real-estate.
The third-party assessment, with built in guidance for achieving net zero goals, allows CRVA to transparently report out to stakeholders as they continue their efforts to increase the efficiency of the Spectrum Center. CRVA is committed to continuing efforts to improve the building’s energy performance through capital improvement projects and they plan to reassess in 2025.
The pursuit of a Journey to Net Zero assessment for Spectrum Center highlights their efforts to drive sustainability in the sports & entertainment venue industry and to lead through action.
