How Greenbuild Stays Green
USGBC strives to leave a legacy of improved environmental practices in each of Greenbuild's host cities.
As proof of our commitment to this legacy, Greenbuild is a three-time recipient of the prestigious international IMEX Environmental Meeting Award. More than 100% of the emissions from attendee travel and conference center use are offset via Cleaner and Greener certification, and close collaboration with Meeting Strategies Worldwide on green strategies and innovations. The Greenbuild model is helping to transform the global meetings industry.
Greenbuild 2008
With each host city comes a new set of opportunities and challenges for greening the conference. Here is what USGBC focused on in Boston to build on our past success:
Green Exhibitor Award: Exhibitors have embraced the challenge of greening their Greenbuild booths. Participation in this Award quadrupled to 77 exhibitors in 2007 with more applicants expected in 2009. Exhibitors and sponsors are working hard in partnership with USGBC to reduce unnecessary waste through sustainable product sourcing that includes reducing unnecessary giveaways, purchasing reusable items, and reducing shipping by sourcing suppliers regionally within North America.
Food & Beverage: USGBC requested a minimum 25% local and organic menus for Greenbuild. In addition, china and linen were used wherever possible and any disposables were composted by the Boston Convention and Exposition Center.
Exhibits: Stetson Convention Services continues to provide new and innovative green signage and décor for Greenbuild, including table coverings that are made from GMO-free corn starch that is 100% biodegradable, compostable and polyethylene free.
Printing, Signage & Registration: Switching to a 100% paperless and ticket-less registration process has dramatically reduced USGBC’s use of paper at Greenbuild. Our decision to print using 100% post-consumer paper has saved 23 trees, 8247 gallons of water, 16 million BTUs energy, 2,000 lbs of carbon dioxide and 1000 lbs of solid waste. New signage that was developed for Greenbuild 2007 was re-used in Boston.
Recycling stations: 54 recycling stations staffed by over 300 volunteers were placed throughout BCEC in an effort to reduce landfill waste. These stations accepted food waste, paper, glass, plastic and cans.
Hotels: All Boston hotels signed a green contract clause to confirm their intention to provide green guest rooms for Greenbuild. This included a commitment to recycle, provide towel and sheet re-use, turn lights off in rooms when they weren't occupied, and to use environmentally responsible cleaners. Share your green hotel experiences at Greenbuild 2008 in Boston by emailing us at info@greenbuildexpo.org.