The Salt Palace Convention Center isn’t just one of Salt Lake City’s most iconic buildings—it’s the heart of Utah’s tourism and events industry. From hosting global conventions and sports events to being the anchor of downtown’s hospitality scene, the venue is responsible for how visitors experience the city. But in an age where sustainability isn’t optional, one big question remains: is the Salt Palace Convention Center really sustainable or is it just marketing mumbo jumbo?
Salt Palace Convention Center at a Glance
The Salt Palace has been a part of downtown Salt Lake City since the mid-20th century, although the current building has undergone multiple renovations. It was the hub of activity during the 2002 Winter Olympics, serving as the main event and media center.
Today it’s Utah’s largest convention center, with over 500,000 square feet of exhibit space and hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Its impact goes far beyond the walls: the center feeds local hotels, restaurants and cultural attractions, generating millions of dollars in tourism revenue for the state.
Events at the Salt Palace
The Salt Palace Convention Center has earned its reputation as a top events destination by hosting big name events year after year.
- Tech & Business Conferences: The venue has welcomed the Outdoor Retailer Show, one of the largest trade shows in North America, with global brands in gear, apparel and sustainability. It’s also hosted FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention, one of the biggest pop culture events in the western US, with celebrities, artists and fans from around the world.
- Sports: The Salt Palace has been the site of major tournaments, including USA Volleyball Junior National Championships and regional basketball events, proving it’s a hub for big athletics.
- Fan & Entertainment Expos: In addition to FanX, the center has hosted Tattoo Conventions, Esports tournaments and entertainment expos that showcase Utah’s cultural scene.
- Medical, Education and Sustainability Summits: Prestigious events like the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Annual Meeting and the Utah Global Forum have been held here, as well as conferences on climate, clean energy and education.
This steady stream of world-class events proves the Salt Palace is both an iconic building and cultural and economic engine for Utah.
Sustainability Claims – Marketing vs. Reality
The Salt Palace brands itself as a forward thinking venue, touting efficiency upgrades and participation in Salt Lake City’s sustainability programs. Publicly it promotes waste reduction, renewable energy and eco-friendly partnerships.
But like many big venues, it walks the line between greenwashing and actual impact. Some features may meet ENERGY STAR minimums but full LEED certification has not been consistently highlighted. For visitors it raises the question of how deep the commitment goes.
Green Architecture and Design Features
The Salt Palace Convention Center has gone well beyond surface-level green branding, investing in measurable upgrades that cut energy use, save water, and reduce waste at scale.
Solar Power and Energy Use
The rooftop holds 6,006 solar panels, one of the largest convention-center arrays in the U.S. Together, they generate about 2.3 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually—enough to offset 17% of the facility’s total consumption. When first commissioned, the system was credited with covering up to 25% of annual demand, though today averages closer to 17%. Over its lifetime, the array has already offset over 86 million pounds of CO₂ and saved 26 million gallons of water by reducing reliance on grid power. Events can also purchase Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) generated by the array to claim carbon-neutral status.
HVAC and Efficiency Upgrades
The 2006 west-end expansion achieved LEED Silver certification, largely due to energy upgrades. A new centralized control system with variable frequency drives (VFDs) on pumps and fans cut energy use dramatically:
- 35–40% reduction in the newly expanded areas.
- ~25% energy savings in the original structure after retrofitting.
LED retrofits, daylight sensors, and occupancy-based controls now cover much of the facility, further lowering lighting demand across its half-million square feet.
Water Conservation
Water is one of Utah’s scarcest resources, and the Salt Palace has pursued multiple conservation measures:
- Waterless urinals (covering 50% of restrooms today, with 65 more slated for installation) save ~40,000 gallons each per year—millions of gallons annually across the facility.
- Low-flow fixtures in sinks and toilets complement the savings.
- Drip irrigation and drought-resistant landscaping have reduced outdoor irrigation needs by ~50% compared to conventional sprinkler systems.
- Bottle-filling hydration stations help visitors avoid single-use plastics while conserving bottled-water inputs.
Materials and Waste Diversion
The center runs a robust Landfill Diversion Program, recycling, composting, and donating event leftovers:
- Currently diverts ~59–60% of event waste from landfills, with a goal of 90% by 2030.
- Since 2018, over 5 million pounds of event materials (carpet, banners, booths, signage) have been reused or donated.
- More than 166,000 pounds of food have been redirected to local nonprofits.
- In partnership with Sodexo Live!, the center has eliminated 98% of single-use plastic bottles from its catering operations.
Digital-first Operations
Paper-heavy processes once meant hundreds of pages printed for each event. Today, nearly all event orders, contracts, and setup sheets are handled electronically. Staff use tablets, DocuSign, and digital apps to cut back on waste while improving efficiency.
In short: The Salt Palace’s sustainability story is backed by hard numbers—from millions of kilowatt-hours of clean energy generated, to 35–40% HVAC energy savings, to millions of gallons of water conserved annually. These aren’t symbolic changes; they represent a real shift in how one of Utah’s largest public venues manages resources and sets the stage for more sustainable conventions.
Technology Driving Efficiency
Sustainability at the Salt Palace isn’t just about physical design—it’s also powered by smart technology:
- Smart building systems use sensors and automation to regulate lighting, temperature, and airflow.
- Recycling & compost programs divert a portion of event waste away from landfills.
- Renewable integration: The facility has explored solar adoption, supported by Utah’s clean energy initiatives.
- Digital-first infrastructure reduces paper waste by promoting mobile ticketing, event apps, and electronic scheduling.
Together, these tools modernize how the center operates while minimizing unnecessary consumption.
10 Things to Do Near the Salt Palace
Visitors can extend their trip beyond the convention floor:
- Explore Temple Square, just steps away.
- Walk through the Salt Lake City Public Library, an architectural gem.
- Visit the Clark Planetarium for interactive science exhibits.
- Shop and dine at City Creek Center.
- Stroll the Gallivan Center for concerts and ice skating.
- Take in art at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Try local craft beers at downtown breweries.
- Relax in Pioneer Park or join the farmers market.
- Enjoy live performances at the Eccles Theater.
- Ride TRAX light rail to explore other parts of the city.
Top Hotels Near the Salt Palace for Business Travelers
Convenience is key for event-goers. Top-rated hotels near the Salt Palace include:
- Marriott Downtown at City Creek – luxury with walkable access.
- Hilton Salt Lake City Center – business-friendly amenities.
- Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City – new, modern, and eco-conscious.
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco – boutique with sustainable practices.
These hotels cater to different budgets while supporting business and eco-travel needs.
Salt Palace Convention Center Parking
Parking can be one of the biggest visitor concerns. The Salt Palace offers:
- Underground parking garages with direct access.
- Nearby lots and street parking with hourly/daily rates.
- Public transit access via TRAX light rail, reducing the need for personal vehicles.
Event attendees are encouraged to use public transit or ridesharing to cut congestion and emissions.
Impact on Sustainable Tourism in Salt Lake City
The Salt Palace is more than a venue—it’s a cornerstone of Salt Lake City’s sustainable tourism strategy:
- Attracting eco-conscious conventions that prioritize waste reduction and green logistics.
- Partnering with local green-certified hotels and restaurants.
- Contributing to a citywide effort to position Salt Lake as a hub for responsible travel.
This alignment strengthens both the city’s economy and its reputation as a forward-thinking destination.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite progress, the Salt Palace has challenges:
- Carbon-heavy travel: Big events bring thousands of flights and cars to the city.
- Old infrastructure: Retrofitting older spaces to modern standards is expensive and complicated.
- Growth vs. sustainability: Expanding capacity often means reducing environmental impact.
These are the challenges of ambition vs reality.
Salt Palace Convention Center Future
Looking ahead, the Salt Palace will stay competitive by embracing more sustainability:
- Upgrades & renovations to energy and water performance.
- Smart tech like AI-powered energy management.
- More renewables with solar panels and advanced storage.
- Aligning with Salt Lake City’s long term carbon neutrality goals.
The future will decide if the Salt Palace is a sustainability leader or laggard compared to newer convention centers.
What Visitors Can Do to Support Sustainability
Sustainability isn’t just the venue’s responsibility—visitors can help too:
- Choose eco-friendly hotels near the Salt Palace.
- Use public transit instead of driving alone.
- Reduce waste by bringing reusable bottles, utensils and recycling when possible.
- Support local businesses that are green.
Small choices add up when thousands of people participate.
Conclusion – So, Is the Salt Palace Convention Center Really Sustainable?
The Salt Palace has made some progress on sustainability from smart design and energy efficiency to waste reduction programs. But like most big venues, it still has the massive environmental footprint of big events.
The answer? It’s sustainable in part, but not fully. Progress is real, but the future—powered by new tech, renovations and citywide initiatives—will decide if the Salt Palace is a model for sustainable convention centers.
FAQ
Is the Salt Palace Convention Center LEED certified?
The facility incorporates many LEED-aligned features, though official certification details vary by renovation phase.
Does the Salt Palace use renewable energy?
Portions of its energy mix come from renewable sources, and future upgrades are expected to expand solar adoption.
What events are hosted at the Salt Palace?
From global business conferences and expos to Comic Con, medical summits, and sporting events.
Are there eco-friendly hotels near the Salt Palace Convention Center?
Yes, nearby hotels like Hyatt Regency and Kimpton Hotel Monaco emphasize green operations and sustainable hospitality.
