Greening the Conference

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Greenbuild’s mission. USGBC strives to leave a legacy of improved environmental practices in each of Greenbuild's host cities by working with the convention center, all Greenbuild vendors, and the local Greenbuild host committee to reduce the environmental impact of all Greenbuild programs. The Greenbuild model is helping to transform the global meetings industry: Greenbuild is a three-time recipient of the prestigious IMEX Green Meetings Award.

With every show comes a new set of opportunities and challenges for greening the conference. Here is what USGBC is focusing on in Chicago to build on our past success:

Green Exhibition

All exhibitors are required to adhere to the Greenbuild Mandatory Exhibition Green Guidelines. These guidelines focus on sustainable booth construction, reuse, material selection, and operations. The guidelines give a menu of sustainable options for exhibitors to choose from in order to come into compliance, and require the tracking of materials used in all booths. Click here to see the Greenbuild Mandatory Exhibition Green Guidelines »

For exhibitors that go above and beyond, USGBC gives out Green Exhibitor Awards at three different levels: Leadership, Advocate, and Partner. In 2009, there was a 67% increase in applicants for the Award, with 160 companies applying: four achieving Leadership Level, 71 earning mid-level Advocate status and 75 emerging as introductory-level Partners. Last year’s award-winning leaders were Arizona State University, Cambridge, CH2M Hill, and PCD Engineering Services.

Waste: USGBC is working with McCormick Place to divert the great majority of waste created at Greenbuild from landfills. McCormick place has strong recycling and composting programs in place that USGBC will utilize as it works with McCormick place and hundreds of volunteers to implement a four-stream waste diversion program. Last time Greenbuild was at McCormick Place, in 2007, under 1 pound of waste per attendee went to landfill. USGBC is committed to improving on this achievement for Greenbuild 2010.

Food & Beverage: USGBC is working with the Conference food service provider to achieve a minimum of 25% local and organic menu items for Greenbuild. In addition, china and linen will be used wherever possible and all disposables at McCormick Place will be 100% compostable and disposable.

Printing, Signage & Registration: Greenbuild has dramatically reduced USGBC’s use of paper at Greenbuild by reducing the size of the pre-conference mailer and the show program, and by using 100% online exhibitor kits. USGBC utilizes reusable and recyclable signage, including table coverings that are made from GMO-free corn starch that is 100% biodegradable, compostable and polyethylene free.

Hotels: Hotels within the Greenbuild housing block sign green contract clauses to confirm their intention to provide green guest rooms for Greenbuild. Hotels commit to recycling programs, providing towel and sheet re-use, turning lights off in rooms when they weren't occupied, and to using environmentally responsible cleaners.

We want to hear from you!

USGBC is constantly seeking out new ways to have a more sustainable Greenbuild. We welcome feedback about Greenbuild's sustainability practices from Greenbuild attendees and stakeholders. How can Greenbuild be more sustainable? How green was your experience at Greenbuild 2009? What are you doing to green your own conference experience for Greenbuild 2011 in Chicago? Please let us know, using this feedback form

If you have any questions or comments about greening at Greenbuild, please email info@greenbuildexpo.org