Nov. 23, 2011
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Los Angeles Staples Center Enjoys the Varied Benefits of Falcon Waterfree Urinals
Los Angeles, CA. – November 22, 2011 – The Staples Center, back-to-back recipients of the prestigious Pollstar-CIC Arena of the Year award, has clearly established itself as the sports and entertainment center of the world. As the home of four professional sports franchises (the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Spark) the building is used a lot. Since its construction in 1999, the Staples Center has focused heavily on sustainability and environmentally conscious initiatives.
In 2005, facility executives were looking for ways to reduce water consumption, particularly when the arena couldn’t avoid the 100,000 gallons of water necessary to make a sheet of ice for every Kings game.
“Our water usage was extensive,” says Samuel Kropp, vice president of operations at the Staples Center. “We thought that if we could lower that consumption [with waterless urinals], we wanted to participate.”
By the end of 2005, facility executives elected to test Falcon Waterfree Urinals in six of the heaviest used restrooms. Kropp and other executives were initially skeptical of the bold budget saving claims of Falcon Waterfree Urinals. However, the test went well and Kropp was convinced. By December of 2007, Falcon Waterfree Urinals were exclusively featured in the 40 men’s restrooms throughout Staples Center. All 178 one-gallon per flush urinals were replaced with 178 Falcon zero-gallons per use urinals. And with more than 250 annual events that attract nearly 4 million visitors, the switch has saved roughly 7 million gallons of fresh water a year since implementation.
In addition to helping the environment, the Falcon Waterfree Urinals have also saved Staples center from growing utility costs and reduced additional operating costs associated with traditional flush urinals.
“Our water bill has gone down consistently since implementing the urinals,” Kropp says. “We see roughly $3,300 in utility savings every month, not factoring in sewer charges.” Kropp has seen savings in the form of reduced maintenance and labor expenses as well. “These urinals are quicker and easier to clean. Most importantly, though, we don’t get stoppages or the vandalism we have seen in the past. People would throw things in the urinals and try to flush them. We don’t have that problem anymore.”
The Staples Center executives have been happy with their decision to convert all of their urinals to Falcon Waterfree. It was a positive decision for both the environment and the facility’s bottom line.
“These urinals are clean, sanitary and good for the environment,” Kropp says. “Plus, we get some great feedback from the employees and visitors.”
“We are proud the Staples Center chose to install our urinals and thrilled to help the facility in its environmental and cost saving initiatives,” said Marc Nathanson, Chairman and CEO of Falcon.
About Falcon Waterfree Technologies
Founded in 2000, Falcon Waterfree Technologies manufactures and markets advanced waterless urinal technology for commercial, institutional, and government facilities. Falcon Waterfree conducts business worldwide, with manufacturing facilities in 7 countries as well as offices and affiliates in more than 50 nations. Falcon Waterfree products are in use around the world in stadiums and arenas, schools and universities, airports and every type of commercial and institutional facility.
Falcon is privately owned by Mapleton Investments and Capricorn Investment Group.
About Staples Center
STAPLES Center, back-to-back recipients of the prestigious Pollstar-CIC Arena of the Year award, has clearly established itself as the sports and entertainment center of the world. As the home of four professional sports franchises — the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks — STAPLES Center has proven to be a home court advantage for the local teams. STAPLES Center continues to distinguish itself as the host of major, high-profile events of national and international distinction including the 2004 and 2011 NBA All-Star Game, the 2002 NHL All-Star Game, the 2000 Democratic National Convention and 2009 World Figure Skating Championships, eleven GRAMMY Award shows as well as the annual X Games competitions and Pac-12 Basketball Championship tournaments. STAPLES Center’s twelve years have also been marked with performances and special events that brought international stature to the downtown Los Angeles venue including concerts by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (who played the arena’s first-ever public event on October 17, 1999), Prince, U2, Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks, Usher, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Taylor Swift, Roger Waters, Britney Spears, Beyonce, Mana, Sade and Justin Timberlake, as well as world championship boxing including Lennox Lewis vs. Vitali Klitschko for the World Heavyweight Championship. Hosting over 250 events a year, the arena’s reputation for world-class amenities, features and commitment to quality of service and the guest experience is second to none.
For more information, please contact:
Will Bennett, Vice President – Corporate Development
Falcon Waterfree Technologies, LLC
Phone: 310-209-7255
Email: wbennett@falconwaterfree.com
