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 from attendee travel and conference center use 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 with 95% of the funds collected are used for offset and retired emissions, and 5% for administration. Greenbuild 2007 achieved the lowest per participant event emissions in the 6-year history of the event, with 100% of the greenhouse gas emissions and mercury offset.
- Exhibitors have been asked to use displays that incorporate indoor air quality principles as well.
Energy Efficiency:
- The power used at the convention center will be fueled by 100% green power.
- Hotels were selected within walking distance of the convention center or public transportation.They will implement towel and sheets reuse programs, will not replace amenities unless consumed, and will shut off HVAC when guests are not in their rooms.
Water Conservation:
- The 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:
- The convention center and caterer have recycling, composting and food donation programs .
Conference hotels have been asked to recycle and donate left over food.
- Exhibitors are requested to recycle cardboard and freight materials, minimize packaging, and minimize collateral material distribution. Trash receptacles will not be provided in exhibit booths.
- Exhibitors have been asked to reduce or eliminated printed materials given out at the show.
- Recycling stations will be stationed throughout the convention center and operated by volunteers to ensure as much waste as possible is diverted from the landfill.
- Collection areas for badges and conference bags will be available for donation.
- Collection areas will be provided in the exhibit hall for exhibitors to donate any leftover materials.
Environmental Purchases:
- The convention center provides a minimum of 20% recycled products for hand towels and toilet paper, most meeting a 40% Green Seal standard, and a minimum of 50% environmentally responsible cleaning products.
- Caterers have 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 have conference bags and giveaways made of recycled materials, and ensure programs are printed on post-consumer recycled paper with soy-based ink.
- The conference decorator will provide and use recyclable carpet, re-usable signage, Energy Star lighting, and earth-friendly cleaning products.
Greenbuild 2007 Greening the Conference Case Study. (pdf)
Greenbuild 2006 Greening the Conference Case Study. (pdf)
Greenbuild 2005 Greening the Conference Case Study. (pdf)
Greenbuild 2004 Greening the Conference Case Study. (pdf)