Greening Greenbuild
Principle Meets Practice at Greenbuild
Greenbuild is a two-time IMEX Environmental Meeting Award recipient, and we strive to leave a legacy of improved environmental practices in each of our host cities. For example, Greenbuild Denver implemented the first recycling program in the Colorado Convention Center, which the CCC continued even after the conference left. More than 100% of the emissions associated with Greenbuild are offset via Cleaner and Greener certification. USGBC also works with Meeting Strategies Worldwide to implement a number of green strategies at each of our conferences, which include but are not limited to the following:
Air quality:
Greenbuild is providing an emission offset program offered by the Leonardo Academy Cleaner and Greener Event Certification program where 95% of the funds collected are used for offset and retired emissions, 5% for administration.
Exhibitors have been asked to use displays that incorporate indoor air quality principles.
Energy efficiency:
Convention center has agreed to reduce the lights, power and HVAC during move in and move out times in the exhibit hall.
Hotels were selected within walking distance of convention center or public transportation; hotels will implement towel and sheets reuse program, will not replace amenities unless consumed, and will shut off HVAC when guests are not in their rooms.
Water conservation:
Convention center will serve drinking water from large containers, not individual bottles.
Caterer will use water-saving strategies like not pre-filling drinking glasses at meal functions or providing saucers under coffee cups.
Waste minimization:
Convention center, caterer and hotels have recycling, reduction and reuse programs in place, and will donate leftover food.
Exhibitors requested to recycle cardboard and freight materials, minimize packaging, and minimize collateral material distribution
Environmental purchases:
Convention center has been asked to provide a minimum of 20% recycled products for hand towels and toilet paper, and a minimum of 50% environmentally responsible cleaning products.
Caterer has been asked to provide locally grown and organic foods wherever possible and affordable (minimum 20% of meals), purchase condiments and beverages in bulk, and participate in food composting program.
Greenbuild will use name badges printed on recycled paper, recycle name badge holders, have conference bags and giveaways made of recycled materials, and ensure programs are printed on post-consumer recycled paper with soy-based ink.
Conference decorator will provide and use recyclable carpet, re-usable signage, Energy Star lighting, and earth-friendly cleaning products.
Greenbuild 2006 Greening the Conference case study. (pdf)
Greenbuild 2005 Greening the Conference case study. (pdf)
Greenbuild 2004 Greening the Conference case study. (pdf)