Resources for Planning Green Events
Everywhere we turn there is talk about being green. What does it mean to be “green” in the event industry? Can you plan green events and stay in budget?
For planners, producing sustainable green events has never been easier. An ever-growing number of online resources give event and meeting planners and producers all the tools and advice necessary to plan, negotiate and promote sustainable events. Rather than duplicate the nuts and bolts advice, checklists and tools, The Event Company provides links to the best of these abundant resources. Please, make use of them!
Carbonfund.org
To offset emissions from air travel, ground transport and energy use, Carbonfund.org is an excellent choice. This group supports renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects globally that reduce carbon dioxide emissions on a global level, as well as minimize the threat of climate change. While many carbon-offset programs are for-profit business concerns, Carbonfund.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Green Meeting Industry Council
The premiere meetings industry association, Green Meeting Industry Council is completely dedicated to promoting sustainable practices among meeting, event and convention planners.
BlueGreen Meetings
This is the best all-around resource site for planners looking to green their meetings. Blue Green Meetings is a charitable initiative with the goal of promoting environmental responsibility and sound business practices in the meetings trade. Access superior free tools, tips, sample contracts, checklists and best practices from the top green planners in the meetings trade.
Convention Industry Council
A meetings meta-association made up of 32 organizations with a stake in the health of the meetings trade, such as ASAE and DMAI, Convention Industry Council (CIC) is best known for running the CMP certification program. Of late, green meetings have become a special project of CIC, and, in 2004, the group issued a comprehensive report and best practices guide. The CIC Green Meetings Task Force Report outlines best practices (pdf).
US Environmental Protection Agency Green Meetings
This government regulatory agency has a somewhat minimal site dedicated to green meetings.
U.S. Green Building Council
This organization accredits buildings as LEED Certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Their directory of LEED certified projects represents a great list of potential green group venues.
Green Seal Lodging Industry Program
This non-profit organization helped California to develop green lodging guidelines for employee meetings and travel as well as for the general public. The Washington, D.C.-based group provides a somewhat limited but growing list of hotels for planners looking for properties certified green by a third party.
IMEX Environment Awards
The award recognizes meeting organizers who are environmentally aware by highlighting opportunities that now exist to stage business tourism events in green-minded venues. They also discuss issues of sustainability.
Green Hotels Association
This resource brings together hotels that are interested in environmental issues. The Green Hotels Association provides a listing of participating green hotels by state as well as approved vendors that is extremely helpful when planning green events.
Green Events Suppliers
This directory provides a web-based platform, showcasing socially and environmentally responsible suppliers. Green Events Suppliers gives detailed information relating to environmentally conscious groups that can aid your event planning decisions for green events.
All the information coming from all directions can be overwhelming. With the ever- growing urgency to make changes and embrace methods to reduce our carbon footprint, it can sometimes seem like our efforts are futile and we end up doing nothing. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Every effort and every change counts. Change begins with awareness. Every small step you take when conducting event planning makes a difference. Below is a list of 10 simple things you can do when planning an event or meeting. Now is the time to get started so you can make a difference!
- Ask caterers for local, organic and vegetarian food options.
- Use pitchers of filtered water at meetings instead of bottled water.
- Avoid large quantities of collateral or hand outs. Provide information electronically whenever possible.
- If printed materials can’t be avoided, use vegetable-based ink and 30% minimum post-consumer, recycled paper.
- Collect name badges for re-use.
- Do not pre-fill water glasses at banquet tables. Pour only on request.
- Use China instead of plastic disposable settings whenever possible.
- Provide on-site recycling for paper, cardboard, metals, glass, plastics and other recyclable materials.
- Provide environmentally responsible giveaways and ensure they are not made from endangered or threatened species (you wouldn’t think we would have to say that, but we do).
- Save directional, food and beverage, and other generic signs for re-use.
|
