American Bank Center

American Bank Center is adopting Green Practices in an effort to reduce the venue’s carbon footprint by becoming more energy efficient and reducing waste. The mission of the Green Practices sustainability program is to pioneer greening efforts in Corpus Christi’s premier convention facility. This will be achieved by implementing a sustainable methodology and encouraging green practices with clients in the meetings industry.

To promote energy efficiency the lighting at the complex is in the process of being converted from incandescent lighting to compact fluorescent lighting while reducing the wattage of fluorescent lights in select areas of the Convention Center and saving a generous amount of kilowatt hours per year. Timed lighting systems also aid in energy conservation and SMG management is looking forward to installing sensor lighting systems in the distant future in some areas of the Arena. Currently, the building is under construction with the installation of high energy-efficient chillers and air handlers, a process that is due to be completed in June of this year.

To reduce waste, American Bank Center recycles printer ink cartridges and oil from the ice rink chillers and air compressors. American Bank Center employees also practice conservation awareness by producing paperless reports or documents and purchasing “green” products when possible. In addition, clients and visitors are encouraged to stay at downtown hotels within walking distance from the venue, restaurants, and other attractions to reduce vehicle emissions. SMG management eventually wants to obtain bins to place around the complex for the recycling of plastic, glass bottles, aluminum/tin cans, paper and cardboard products.

SAVOR, American Bank Center’s in-house catering company proudly announces the availability of Eco Friendly Products for Conventions. Made from certified compostable materials, the products are created from rapidly renewable resources like sugarcane and corn instead of oil. This type of manufacturing reduces the greenhouse gasses, saves trees, diverts the waste from the landfills to be utilized for composting and reduces our dependence for oil.

SAVOR also uses china, silverware, linen napkins and linen tablecloths when possible; offers vegetarian and organic options on menus; offers five-gallon water cooler hydration stations and recyclable drinking cups; sends contracts and other documents electronically; offers bulk condiments and buffet style meals and requests exact numbers for catering purposes to reduce waste.

SMG Director of Sales, Donna Cannatella is taking the lead in creating the Green Practices sustainability program at American Bank Center. She says, “By conserving energy and reducing our costs, we are better able to serve our community and meeting planners. Recent trends in the tourism and hospitality industry indicate that clients are especially interested in doing business with environmentally conscious organizations. We have a commitment to practice recycling and conservation at American Bank Center and hope in the future to be "Gold LEED" as we will eventually pursue LEED-Existing Building Certification.”

According to the U.S. Green Building Council or USGBC, LEED Certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building project is environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live and work.

American Bank Center is Corpus Christi’s premier event center providing unprecedented guest experiences and is professionally managed by SMG.