the planner's green guide 2008

We are all a little green whenit comes to the environment

What can we say, Green is the way. Already, governments and associationsare selecting hotels, venues and suppliers by their green commitments. So our guide is one which hotels, venues and CVBs were all given the same

opportunity to let you know their commitment by what they are doing now, whatthey plan to do in the future and what they plan to do in the long term. Ours is notclever marketing, but a guide which will provide concrete information.

We are now way past the use-your-towel-for-the-second-day stage, which was in fact started by hotels as a way to save money and not at all because they were concerned about the environment, according to Steve Pinetti, senior vice-president formarketing at Kimpton Hotels, a San Francisco-based company that operates 43 luxuryhotels. Had they truly been committed to the environment they could have offeredrebates, say $2 a day off your room rate if you re-used your towels, $5 if you re-usedyour bed sheets, $3 if they didn’t give you a new shampoo, and so on. It wouldn’thave cost them anything and they would have created the incentive to encourage theirguests to help the environment, similar to the rebates Air Canada gives when youbook your plane ticket online, although theirs doesn’t help the environment, but cansave you a few dollars anyway. But it’s not too late; hotels can still pass on these sav-ings and show their commitment at no cost to them. Imagine – people could save wellover $10 per day on their room rate while helping the environment... just a thought!For hotels and venues to now go further they will have to spend money, and in thisday and age of hotels being more about real estate than anything else, it will be inter-esting to see if the princes, the Reits and the Chips are willing to spend.

What you will find on the following pages is what was sent to us, verbatim, byeach supplier. All were given the same opportunity, and we even extended our dead-line by two weeks to accommodate some of them. You will also find various tidbitsand articles of interest, including two from our avant-garde future generation.

This project is a humble beginning, but everything has to have a first step so this is ours. We hope that you find the guide useful and that it will provide you withinformation that will help you take up the green cause. By telling hotels, venues and suppliers that you are/are not considering their property or service because of theircommitment to the environment, you are sending the message that they will have toget on the bandwagon or lose business. Economics should do the rest. The more pressure, the sooner things will get done.

In the words of Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Drake Hotel creates an urban gardenToronto’s Drake Hotel knows the importance of local

produce, especially its own — they are using a part of theirproperty to grow fresh, organic vegetables and herbs. By culti-vating and cooking their own crops, they offer diners a home-grown gastronomic adventure and help the environment too.

On the Web: www.thedrakehotel.com

Montréal recognized for Geotourism Tourisme Montréal was the first city in the world to sign

the Geotourism Charter of the renowned National GeographicSociety last October.

As a signatory, Montréal agrees to respect the 13 main prin-ciples of the Charter. The Geotourism Charters are a key pro-gram element of the National Geographic Society’s Center forSustainable Destinations (CSD), which aims to protect theworld’s distinctive places through wisely managed tourismand enlightened destination stewardship.

According to the Society’s Web site, geotourism is definedas “tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical char-acter of a place — its environment, culture, aesthetics, her-itage and the well-being of its residents.”

Given the tremendous scale of urban tourism worldwide, theCSD wanted to bring urban centers into its geotourism approach.

On the Web:www.nationalgeographic.comwww.tourisme-montreal.org

Toshiba lights the way to being greenToshiba Corp. has a bold plan: It wants to more than triple

its sales at its lighting operations in 12 years by phasing outincandescent lights and switching to energy-saving LEDs aspower costs and concerns about greenhouse gas emissions rise.

Japan-based Toshiba competes in the lighting businessagainst General Electric Co., Philips and Osram and is bettingon its light-emitting diode fixtures for homes, offices and pub-lic facilities to fuel growth in Europe, the United States, Russiaand China, President Atsutoshi Nishida said recently.

Sales of LED lights would make up approximately $9.5 bil-lion of sales in 2020, providing Toshiba 20 percent of theglobal share for such low-power lights.

LED lights last longer and cut greenhouse gas emissions toone-sixth of those of incandescent bulbs, but are more expensive.

According to Toshiba, which developed Japan’s first lightbulb, switching 60 percent of the world’s incandescent lightsto LED lights would slash greenhouse gas emissions by 125.5million tons in 2025 compared with in 2000.

The Japanese government has instructed manufacturers toend incandescent light production by 2012, while Australiaand France have made similar demands. Toshiba is phasingout production of most of its incandescent lights by 2010.

Proposing paperless evaluationsThe Professional Convention Management Association

(PCMA) and MeetingMetrics want planners to save some trees –and they are going to the root of the problem to do it.

They recently announced the launch of a new online, on-sitesurvey tool for meeting professionals that will help them colortheir meetings green.

Part of MeetingMetrics' online meeting results measurementsystem, the new On-site Session Evaluation Tool, is designed toautomate and streamline the collection of on-site session feed-back – without the use of paper evaluations.

“This new MeetingMetrics software is extremely useful on somany levels,” PCMA President and CEO Deborah Sexton said ina statement. “Meeting professionals will be freed from distrib-uting paper-based surveys, receive immediate attendee feed-back and make their meetings more environmentally friendlyby substantially reducing paper waste.”

Because it's paperless, the new On-site Session Evaluation Toolpromises to save event organizers both time and money.

It does not require special hardware and works by connectingattendees with session questionnaires via their own PDAs or laptops.

Once surveys are submitted, meeting organizers can accessthe results in real time and create a variety of custom reportswith which to analyze and summarize attendee feedback.

A limited number of complimentary MeetingMetrics triallicenses are available for PCMA members.

On the Web: www.meetingmetrics.com.

• • •

6 July-August ’08THEPLANNER’S GREEN GUIDE

Sooner or later, we sit down to a banquet ofconsequences.

Robert Louis Stevenson

July-August ’08 7THEPLANNER’S GREEN GUIDE

The Green Key Eco-Rating Program With the environment on everyone’s mind these days it is

only natural that the energy-saving and recycling prac-tices we implement at home would begin to emerge in ourplaces of work and even in how we conduct business.

The meeting and convention industry is experiencing thismovement first-hand. Hotels and planners alike receive fre-quent inquiries about the “greenness” of their facilities andevents. The challenge for both lies in determining just whatdoes make their event facility green.

The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) is assistinghotels with this challenge, helping them define a startingpoint on their path to becoming green. Developed specifical-ly for the lodging industry, the HAC’s Green Key Eco-Ratingprogram is a graduated rating system recognizing propertiescommitted to improving their environmental performance.

The comprehensive audit, designed to provide a propertywith an overview of where they stand with respect to theircurrent environmental practices, explores the five main sec-tions of a property’s operations: Corporate EnvironmentalManagement; Housekeeping; Conference & Meeting Facilities;Food & Beverage; and Engineering. The audit questionsdelve into sustainable practices such as energy and water con-servation, waste management, food service, air quality, infrastructure, staff training, guest awareness, etc. Based onthe property’s final results they are awarded a 1 to 5 GreenKey rating (5 is the highest).

For a hotelier the benefits of participating are numerous.The Green Key program provides tips, tricks and resources toassist the property in creating a more environmentally con-scious facility and ensure that staff and management areactive participants in any green initiative.

Meeting Planners will benefit from knowing that the facil-ity they’ve chosen has taken steps to lessen the environmen-tal demands that come from hosting events. A facility thatoffers a range of environmentally friendly options will go along way to reducing the eco-footprint of an event: white-boards vs. flipcharts, food & beverage served in reusable dish-es, recycling readily available, leftover food disposal plan, aguest awareness program, and more. By demanding thesepractices of hotels meeting planners will help to keep theindustry green.

There is always more that can be done to reduce one’senvironmental footprint but the Green Key Eco-RatingProgram provides hotels and even meeting planners with asolid base on which to build bigger, greener practices.

With almost 900 Canadian Lodging properties participating in the

program at this time, finding greener meeting space is easy. To find a

Green Key hotel simply visit www.hacgreenhotels.com and click the

“Find Green Hotels” link on the home page or contact the Hotel

Association of Canada directly at [email protected].

Computer myth debunkedHeard the one about how to save more power by leaving

your computer on than by shutting it down and restarting it?Well it’s bull.

Computers use about two seconds worth of power to startup according to the US Office for Energy Efficiency andRenewable Energy. Turn off your electrical equipment whenyou leave the office. In addition, many computers, faxes andphotocopiers have energy saving modes, so be sure to usethem. Finally, ask your suppliers about lower-energy usemodels when making new purchases for the office or home.

Idling is a waste of gasIdling a vehicle for just five minutes creates more than a

quarter-kilogram of gases. If every Canadian driver cut backon five minutes of idling a day, we’d save 1.6 million tons ofcarbon monoxide from burning up our atmosphere and 1.8million litres of fuel! But it takes more gas to turn a car on andoff than it does to leave it running, right? Wrong.

If you’re going to be waiting more than 10 seconds, it’ssmarter to turn it off. And if you’re still not sure that idling iscosting money, check your car’s gas consumption and take acloser look at your next gasoline bill at the pump!

The key word to being green is awareness.


LHW launches a major green initiativeWorld’s leader inluxury travel isamong the first tosupport carbon neutral efforts on a corporate level

The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., the largestglobal luxury hotel brand launched its Leading GreenInitiative in April 2007. This innovative program

enables and encourages guests – both individuals and groups– to make a conscious decision toward greener travel byactively supporting Sustainable Travel International (STI), theforemost non-profit organization in responsible tourism.

The Leading Green Initiative is a carbon neutral programwhereby The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. will directlyabsorb the cost to offset guests’ energy consumption for staysat any of its 450 hotels worldwide.

“We are extremely proud to be the first luxury hotel brandto provide a carbon offset program with STI. While many com-panies offer the opportunity for customers to voluntarily makedonations, we feel strongly about taking a leadership positionin environmental responsibility and setting the example. Weare, therefore, delighted to be making the financial contributionon our guests’ behalf,” said Paul M. McManus, President andChief Executive Officer, The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd.

For every night of a guest’s stay when their reservation ismade through www.lhwgreen.com, or when ‘Leading Green’is mentioned to any one of our worldwide voice reservationscenters, The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. will make adonation of 50¢ to STI. The same holds true for meeting plan-ners and groups booking business through Leading GroupSales, a division of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. Theinvestment per guest represents 29.3 kilowatt-hours of elec-tricity supplied by new wind and solar power, which equatesto 33.7 pounds of greenhouse gas emission reductions. TheLeading Green Initiative is entirely underwritten by TheLeading Hotels of the World, Ltd. corporate entity; prices havenot been augmented to support this effort.

Brian T. Mullis, President of Sustainable TravelInternational stated, “We are excited to be partnering withThe Leading Hotels of the World to educate their guests andhotels to reduce their environmental footprint by the efficient

use of energy and minimization ofwaste.”

“We are most pleased to see how seri-ously Leading Hotels executives havetaken this partnership as last year alone,they committed to offsetting the energyconsumption of their annual Sales &Marketing Conference in Stockholm, as

well as their Annual Convention in Monte Carlo. A corporatedonation was made to STI to offset the energy consumption ofall attendees, not only for the accommodations, but also air trans-portation, meeting rooms and common areas,” Mullis concluded.

Leading Group Sales has experienced no shortage of clientinquiries hoping to adopt greener practices and make aresounding difference. “We receive barrages of requests for sus-tainable meeting travel these days,” says Thorsten Meier, man-aging director of Leading Group Sales. “The mindset is definite-ly changing around the world and meeting planners are withouta doubt aware of the repercussions facing our environment.”

With Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. financing the dona-tion, meeting planners need only mention Leading Green atthe time of booking to partake in the philanthropic and envi-ronmentally-friendly initiative. Reservations and inquiries canbe made by calling a Leading Group Sales MeetingProfessional at (1-877) 751-8430.

The Leading Hotels of the World and STI are currentlyevaluating a number of other programs, including sustainabletourism certification, travel philanthropy, and the potentialimplementation of environmental management systems byLeading Hotels.

On the Web:www.sustainabletravelinternational.orgwww.lhwgreen.com

• • •

The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. is the prestigious luxury

hospitality organization representing more than 430 of the world’s

finest hotels, resorts and spas, and is the operator of www.lhw.com –

the online source for your luxury lifestyle.

As the largest international luxury hotel brand, the firm maintains

offices in 24 major markets across the globe.Since 1928, the company’s

reputation for excellence derives from the exacting levels of quality

it demands of its members, each of which must pass a rigorous,

anonymous inspection covering 1,500 separate criteria.


Hilton sets impressive eco-goalsBY CHRISTOPHER NASSETTA, PRESIDENTAND CEO

Hilton Hotels Corporation recentlyannounced its short and long term goals

and objectives towards building sustainabilityinto the core fabric of its businesses worldwide.

By 2014, goals for the Hilton Family ofHotels are to:

• Reduce energy consumption from direct operations by 20%• Reduce Co2 emissions by 20% • Reduce output of waste by 20% and • Reduce water consumption by 10%.

As a global business serving more than a quarter billionguests a year in more than 3000 hotels across 74 countries,the Hilton family of Hotels, including Hilton, Conrad Hotels &Resorts, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hampton Inn andSuites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Grand Vacations,Homewood Suites by Hilton and The Waldorf=AstoriaCollection, are well-positioned to make a difference

environmentally, socially, culturally and eco-nomically.

Population growth and global industrializa-tion are accelerating the depletion of naturalresources. Demand for energy continues to growand fresh water scarcity is becoming a globalreality. How we respond to these challenges willdetermine the sustainability of our futurelifestyles, our communities as we know them,

and ultimately the sustainability of our planet.To meet the growing demand of increased travel around

the world, we must be able to do so in a sustainable fashionwhile still delivering unsurpassed levels of hospitality, includ-ing a better night’s sleep, an enhanced dining experience anda more productive meeting. We must operate our business inways that provide for our current needs while allowing futuregenerations to meet their own needs. This is the essence ofsustainability and the path we must follow. Not only is it theright thing to do as responsible global citizens, it's the rightthing to do for our business.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

LONG-TERM, HIGH-IMPACT GOALSIn addition to the stated measurable short-term targets, the

company also has committed to focus on several high-impactareas that offer significant long-term benefits. Sustainablebuildings and operations, including the advancement of sus-tainable design and construction, operations, chemical man-agement and purchasing will be one key area. The companyis also committed to the advancement of renewable energy asa source of power for its operations, not only to reduce itscarbon footprint but to develop a viable commercial infra-structure for powering hotels and corporate offices.

SUPPORT STRATEGYHilton Hotels Corporation is supporting its portfolio of

commitments in a number of ways, by: • Building out educational and engagement programs for allbrands and team members, including online learning, central-ized web content, and various training modules.• Measuring and reporting on our progress. The internalenvironmental management tool used within company-man-aged hotels will be extended to all properties, allowing us totrack and report on our commitments and design processesand programs that identify areas of opportunity to drive inno-vation and efficiencies.• Revising brand operational, and design and constructionstandards for 2009 to ensure both internal and external bestpractices are shared, adopted and transparent around theglobe.• Evaluating all current and future purchasing policies andpractices across the brands to ensure that the range of prod-ucts placed in hotels not only enhance the guest experiencebut drive value for owners while supporting the company’soverall sustainability efforts.

CURRENT PRACTICESHilton Hotels Corporation has demonstrated its commit-

ment to sustainability with several projects that currently areunderway. In the European region, energy and water con-sumption already have been reduced by 10% during the lasttwo years. In the U.K. and Ireland, the introduction of car-bon-free electricity has reduced CO2 emissions in participat-ing Hilton hotels by more than 64,000 tons, or 56% of our car-bon footprint. In the United States, Hilton was the first in theindustry to complete the installation of a commercial fuel cellpower system, atop the Hilton New York, delivering one ofthe cleanest power generating technologies available today.

Galvanizing the spirit demonstrated by its recent and pastsuccesses together with its current commitments, HiltonHotels Corporation has created a Mission Statement that willcarry forward throughout its business practices.

MISSION STATEMENTThe Hilton Family of Hotels will manage our business

through a lens of sustainability to benefit this generation andthose that follow. Through action and innovation, we willlead our industry in products and programs that:• Enhance the guest experience• Engage our employees• Improve operational efficiency• Advance building design• Strengthen our partnerships• Serve our communities• Protect our global environment• Enrich our Family of Brands

We can use the lens of sustainability and find ways to inno-vate our products and offerings in ways we never imagined.We will create better experiences for our guests, better busi-ness opportunities for our partners and investors, better workfacilities for our colleagues, and better serve our communities,giving back in ways that actually restore resources instead ofremoving them, and improving the well-being of all involved.

On the Web: www.hilton.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9


Hilton uses multiple approaches


Fairmont Hotels & Resorts gives “Green”light to expand Eco-Meet program

Businesses are embracing FairmontHotel and Resorts’ respect for the

environment and promotion of sustain-able tourism by rallying behind its Eco-Meet program now available at all of itsproperties.

A staunch advocate of environmental stewardship withinthe travel and tourism industry, Fairmont was the first majorhotel company in North America to include green businesspractices as an intrinsic part of its operations. Another majormilestone as the pioneer of going green is the brand-widelaunch of the Eco-Meet program – an environmentally friendlyconferencing program, intended to minimize harm to theenvironment during meetings, conferences and similar events.

Eco-Meet was developed as a "green meeting" and confer-ence planning option. In this way, meeting planners can organ-ize conferences and events that consider the environment,result in reduced waste, and also conserve valuable resources.

Michelle White, Director, Environmental Affairs, states, "Werecognize that many corporations, including Fairmont Hotels& Resorts, have adopted a mandate of environmental respon-sibility." She continues, "When selecting a venue for a greenevent, meeting planners will consider all aspects of the hotelor resort's accommodation, operations, programs and policiesas part of our Eco-Meet initiative."

Meeting planners wanting to "green" their events can workwith Fairmont's knowledgeable staff to tailor aspects of thisunique program, which consists of four key components, tosuit their needs:

• Eco-service provides "disposable-free" food and beverageservices and recycling stations in the meeting rooms. Thisservice is an important element to a greener meeting and, forexample, includes china and cutlery used instead of disposalitems, linen napkins instead of paper, and centerpieces thatare edible/organic or made from reusable items such as silkflowers. White boards are used rather than paper flip charts.

• Eco-accommodation offers in-room information, recy-cling bins, optional sheet and towel replacement at selectproperties, energy-efficient lighting, and water-conservingshowerheads, toilets and tap aerators.

• Eco-cuisine menus incorporate local, seasonal and organ-ically grown foods wherever possible. Special menus for Eco-Meet can also include a 50-percent reduction in animal pro-teins, supplemented by vegetable proteins at meal functions.

Fairmont properties having their ownherb gardens or the availability of theseasonings locally feature dishes withthose ingredients. The emphasis is onhealthy, environmentally friendly anddelicious food.

• Eco-programming provides activities and guest-speakersto complement the Eco-Meet experience. Whether it's akeynote address, a full-day team building eco-experience orsomething in-between, Fairmont's eco-programming educatesand informs meeting delegates, while providing innovativeand exceptional meeting services. There are also paperlessservices available for events including a dedicated TV channelto provide information and updates to delegates, electronicpaperless check-in/checkout and e-mailed contracts and infor-mation used where possible. Fairmont will also assist meetingplanners to offset their event’s greenhouse gas emissions bypurchasing green tags/energy certificates.

Eco-Meet is available at all Fairmont properties. Meetingplanners can also download a copy of Fairmont’s new greenmeeting checklist at www.fairmont.com/ecomeet.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a leader in sustainable tourism and

was the first major hotel chain in North America to embrace environ-

mental stewardship in its daily operations through the implementation

of its own Green Partnership Program. The program focuses on

improvements in the areas of waste management, energy and water

conservation, as well as a strong element of community outreach

through local groups and partnerships.

On the Web: www.fairmont.com/environment.

A very good policyThe Québec City Convention Centre has developed a

Sustainable Development Policy that guides actions in accor-dance with current laws and regulations, and deals witheverything from recycling paper and food scraps to servingfood in bulk containers. They also have three eco-friendlyevent packages for planners. The innovative QCCC won theApex Award for the World’s Best Congress Centre in 2006.

On the Web: www.convention.qc.ca (click on sustainable development)


Calgary is a destination of overone million people who have

chosen to build a life in the Heartof the New West. With a healthyeconomy, growing population anddeveloping ecological footprint,Calgary is working towards a sus-tainable future.

Acknowledging the need foraction, stakeholders with foresightare embracing opportunities to improve the environmental via-bility of their businesses.

FOSTERING ECO-CONSCIOUSNESS IN CANADA’SFASTEST GROWING CITY

The City of Calgary was recognized in 2006 for taking aleading role in its environmental management towards sus-tainable development when Mayor Dave Bronconnier accept-ed the prestigious World Leadership Forum award in the envi-ronment category. Calgary continues to champion sustainableaction and work with local, national and international organ-izations on their environmental vision.

To reduce the environmental impact of urban travel on theground, Calgary’s Light Rail Transit provides a public transitalternative. Powered 100% by wind-generated electricity, it isthe only transit system in North America registered with theISO I1400, an environmental standard that aims to minimizethe impact of services on the environment.

Having already met Kyoto targets, the City of Calgarystrives to work alongside its urban partners to ensure moresustainable forms of urban community development in theareas of land use and traffic mobility.

With heightened interest in eco-conscious destinations,more facility owners/operators are considering environmen-tally-friendly practices for their upgrades and expansion proj-ects. Also taking a leadership role with these initiatives areCalgary facilities and attractions.

Calgary’s International Airport was the first airport inCanada to be certified green by the Building OwnersManagement Association (BOMA) of Canada. This significantachievement saluted best practices like reduced resource con-sumption through temperature-control design, motion-sensorplumping units and a recycling program that diverted 15 percent of waste (the equivalent of 6,400 truck loads)from thelandfill.

The first building in Calgary to be awarded Go Green™certification was the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre.

With 122,000 sq. ft. of flexiblemeeting space in the heart of down-town Calgary, this state-of-the-art,multi-purpose complex featuresenvironmental and energy-efficientassets such as compact fluorescentlighting, variable-speed escalatorsand sophisticated computer-con-trolled heating and cooling systems.They have also hosted their first

“waste less” conference.Heritage Park Historical Village, Canada’s largest living his-

torical village, is working towards eco-logo certification. The park has aggressive composting and recycling programs,runs its replica sternwheeler, the S.S. Moyie, on canola oil,uses horse-drawn wagons and is developing an interpretivewetland.

The Calgary Zoo is undertaking a challenge with theremodeling of its ENMAX Conservatory. The all-glass buildingin being designed with the goal to be the greenest building inCalgary – working towards a LEED NC Gold rating.

The Calgary Stampede, which bills itself as the greatest out-door show on earth, is home to 389,000 sq. ft. of public space,making for the potential to leave a heavy carbon footprint.Yet in 2007, this world-renowned attraction won top honoursfrom the Recycling Council of Alberta for its commendablerecycling program. Elements include everything from integrat-ing more bio fuels into its fleet, heating water with solar pan-els, and recycling almost 184 tonnes of paper and cardboard(saving approximately 2,3233 trees); to composting 9,632.90tonnes of organic and bedding waste materials, and using abulb eater to crush up to 3,500 fluorescent bulbs each year toremove the mercury.

With hotels playing a large role in the green scheme of anycity, the Hotel Association of Canada offers a Green Key Eco-Rating Program. It recognizes hotels, motels and resorts thatare committed to improving their environmental performance.The Green Key audit covers all areas from corporate environ-mental management, housekeeping, food & beverage, tooperations, engineering and meeting facilities. Green Key-cer-tified hotel members include 18 Calgary and area properties.

Calgary is the destination of choice for many business and leisure

travelers. Tourism Calgary will continue to work alongside its industry

partners as they develop and build sustainability strategies to accommo-

date the needs of the environmentally conscious meeting industry.

For more information, visit www.tourismcalgary.com or call 1-800-

661-1678.

Go green in the heart of the new west


When it comes to spectacular events, the CN Tower tops thelist. A Canadian icon, engineering wonder and Toronto

landmark – it’s a venue like no other. From receptions, galas andparties to meetings, film screenings and press launches, the CNTower combines breathtaking settings and award-winning cuisineto create memorable events. And if all that doesn’t put it at thetop of every planners list – environmentally conscious plannersare finding more reasons to appreciate this unique iconic venue.

“Event planners are always impressed to learn that the award-winning food and wine selection at the CN Tower is in a classwith a select few - and with growing attention to corporate green-ing practices, planners are very pleased to learn that the cuisineat 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower is regional Canadian, usesseasonal ingredients, showcases local suppliers and draws froman extensive Herb Garden right on the CN Tower grounds,” saysJack Robinson, Chief Operating Officer for the CN Tower.

Located atop Canada’s National Tower, 360 provides one ofthe country’s finest dining experiences showcasing Canadiancuisine. Plus, with a fresh market approach, 360 uses ingre-dients in season at their freshest. The menu offers somethingfor every palate with an incredible selection that strives tofocus on locally sourced regional ingredients. 360 Restauranthas been a longstanding supporter of the incredible talent ofspecialized suppliers. From outstanding regional andCanadian cheesemakers, the finest cured meats from theNiagara region and delicious Ontario freshwater pickerel, toOntario farmed tomatoes, leeks and fiddleheads - Chef PeterGeorge’s shopping area can literally be seen from his ‘skykitchen’ at the top of the CN Tower.

Recent developments at the CN Tower include a Chef’sHerb Garden at the base of the Tower. Each year the CNTower Gardens bloom as part of Communities in Bloom, anationwide greening and beautification initiative. The Chef’sHerb Garden is part of this effort where two 85’ x 7’ bedsinclude a mix of over two dozen varieties of annual andperennial herbs supplying all the herbs for 360 – as many as1,000+ meals served daily throughout the summer. In season,a variety of thyme, oregano, fennel, sage, varieties of basils,edible flowers such as nasturtiums plus a growing assortmentof vegetables provide a daily harvest.

Another exciting recent development involves a technolog-ical upgrade at the CN Tower which took place earlier thisyear to great public acclaim. With the installation of innova-tive programmable LED exterior lighting, the CN Tower now

literally lights up the Toronto skyline each night vividly illu-minating this architectural icon elegantly in red and whitewith a light effect at the top of each hour. This new technol-ogy features 1,330 fixtures that are both energy efficient andcost effective to maintain- using 60% less energy that the con-ventionally lit Tower of 10 years ago and even 10% less thanthe more recently dimly lit Tower.

For more information, contact the CN Tower at:(416) 601-4718 or [email protected] the Web: www.cntower.ca

CN Tower cuisine caters to environmentally-conscious planners

Greenbelt WalksWalking relieves stress and increases energy, refreshing

the mind and body while you enjoy time with friends andfamily. Trails protect our natural heritage and history, andprovide life-giving habitat for all creatures, including humans!

Ontario’s greenbelt is 1.8 million acres of protectedgreen space, farmland, and vibrant communities surroundingthe Golden Horseshoe. It includes the Niagara Escarpment,the Oak Ridge Moraine and Rouge Park.

Contact any of the organizations listed below to getinformed, get involved and get on your way.Bruce Trail – Niagara Escarpment – www.brucetrail.org or 1-800-665-HIKE (4453)Oak Ridges Trail – Oak Ridges Moraine – www.oakridgestrail.org or 1-877-319-0285Trans Canada Trail – Across Canada – www.transcanadatrail.com or 1-800-465-3636

On the Web: www.ourgreenbelt.ca

Think Inside The BoxIf you know of someone beginning to go green, point

them in the right direction of Change: a Starter Kit ($40,www.starterkitforchange.com). This simple brown box contains all the materials necessary to get anyone on thepath to sustainability. There’s a handmade shopping tote, a seedling to plant, an energy-efficient lightbulb, and a pre-stamped envelope to a reliable charity. There’s also a journal made from treeless paper, Sudoku puzzles tojump-start the brain, and “Be Grateful” tokens to bestow tothose deserving of appreciation.


Organizers of meet-ings and conven-

tions in Alberta can offertheir guests a new optionwhen they book theirevent at Edmonton’sShaw ConferenceCentre (SCC) – theopportunity to reducethe environmentalimpact of their event.

SCC has recently unveiled a green meetings initiative calledSimple Steps. The innovative program puts environmentalconsideration into every aspect of the event, starting with theplanning and continuing through to the cleanup afterwards,says Cliff Higuchi, SCC’s Assistant General Manager andleader of the initiative.

The need for Simple Steps became clear three years agoafter the Shaw Conference Centre was the host venue for alarge, international event that attracted 22,000 participants.The centre took on the task of stuffing 22,000 delegate kits.“You can only imagine how much cardboard came out of thisprocess,” Higuchi recalls. “We ended up filling five dumpsterbins with cardboard for disposal.”

Some employees of the centre realized there had to be abetter way, so they started an informal group to evaluate theenvironmental footprint of the centre and its activities.

“We talked about things that we as Edmontonians werealready doing at home – whether it was composting, recy-cling, changing light bulbs, or becoming more energy-effi-cient. And then we looked at how we could bring thoseprocesses with us to work,” Higuchi recalls.

The first issue to be tackled was recycling cardboard thatotherwise would have gone into landfills. The centre now hasa compactor for cardboard, which is picked up and recycled.

A more difficult question was what could be done aboutwaste from the Shaw Conference Centre’s award-winningkitchen? Conference centre staff needed a feasible way to sortkitchen and dining room waste into organic and non-organicstreams, and then store it until it could be removed.

So SCC partnered with a local environmental services con-tractor to pilot a system using custom-designed plastic bins tocollect food waste. The bins are then hauled to the City ofEdmonton’s 25-hectare composting facility — the largest of itskind in North America — and returned clean for reuse. Theinnovative system worked! About 3,400 pounds (1,542 kg.) offood waste are now collected each week for composting that

would otherwise haveended up in landfills.

Next, the grouplooked at the buildingitself. With the bulk of itsstructure embedded in ahillside, the centre usesless energy for heatingand cooling than a con-ventional building. But

the group found room for improvements such as efficient,motion-detector-activated lighting.

The new Hall D expansion, opened in 2006, incorporatesnew technologies that reduce water and energy consumption.All of these environmental enhancements allowed the ShawConference Centre to receive BOMA Go Green certificationfrom the Building Owners and Managers Association ofCanada in 2007.

With its own environmental house in order, the group thenlooked at ways to help Shaw Conference Centre customers“green” their events. In line with the Green Meeting IndustryCouncil, which is working toward the goal of zero-impactmeetings, the group developed the Simple Steps program, aseries of strategies and services for sustainable meetings.

In the pre-meeting stage, organizations can dramaticallyreduce paper use through a dedicated website that publicizesthe event, publishes conference materials and agendas, andhandles delegate registration and accommodation. During theevent, paper recycling stations and digital conference materi-als further reduce paper waste. Choosing hotels in walkingdistance of the meeting site, a “100-mile menu” for meals,bulk water instead of bottled water and eco-friendly takeawayitems for delegates also help reduce the environmental foot-print of an event.

Shaw Conference Centre’s Simple Steps program evenincludes the option of leaving an environmental legacy to thecommunity, such as donating leftover equipment and sup-plies to an inner-city school.

“People are very interested in ways to ‘green up’ theirevents,” Higuchi says. “Our conference centre takes greatpride in offering a series of practical steps that any conferenceorganizer could effectively use.”

Conferences in Edmonton are now greatly enhanced by thecity’s many environmental programs — some of the best inthe world. It’s a big savings for our planet … and all it takesis a sincere commitment to Simple Steps.

Greening your Edmonton conference

*

Tips for a greener conference1. Announce intentions to have a green event from the get-goin order to get delegates to buy in.2. Use e-mail and a conference website to promote the eventand move conference registration and hotel booking online.3. Publish conference materials on the website.4. Ask venue to provide recycling stations.5. Choose hotels in walking distance of the event site if possible.6. Provide bulk water instead of bottled water. 7. Order banquet meals from the ‘100-mile menu.’

8. Choose eco-friendly delegate gifts and nametag holders.9. Turn off lights and shut down equipment when not needed.10. Leave an environmental legacy to the host community orconsider donating leftover equipment and supplies to inner-city schools.

The Shaw Conference Centre – Greater Edmonton's flagship hospi-

tality venue and one of Canada's largest convention centres –

celebrates 25 years as Edmonton's 'Centre of Attention' in 2008.

Managed by Edmonton Economic Development Corp., SCC provides

high standards of customer service and award-winning culinary

excellence while contributing an estimated annual economic impact of

$48 million to the region.

On the Web: www.shawconferencecentre.com



Ed. Note: Last year, these two young students gave us theirtake on the environment. Now, a year later, their green ideashave evolved and we want to share them with you.

Help China =Help the world

China is the most popu-lated country on Earth, with1,3 billion people and it justkeeps growing. But economi-cally, it’s just ‘waking up’. As you already know, mostthings are made in China andwhen you do see somethingmade in another country, it is usually Japan or thePhilippines! So when you dosee something that is made in your country, it is most likely totake you by surprise. But tell me what is wrong with that picture?Why can’t we offer products made here not from half the wayaround the world?

Well, when it comes to China’s environment, it’s not wakingup, it’s choking up! Over 100 of its cities suffer from BIG watershortages, 75% of china’s urban cities breathe air that is not up tothe country’s air standards and the bad news keeps on coming!Two thirds of the country’s fresh water comes from groundwaterand that resource is quickly getting polluted. They burn coal forenergy, their ocean is suffering from oil spills and toxic waste andover 6,000 workers die each year (plus those workers don’t getpaid enough). So, China is in a real mess!

But how does this affect us, you ask? Well other than stirringyour conscience and making you want to help, China causes duststorms that affect countries around them. Some even make theirway to us! So my advice may seem absurd but its 100% true.

By boycotting China you’re helping it! Stop buying completelyor at least buy fewer Chinese goods.

Emily Dias-GeoffroyTrafalgar School for Girls

What does theenvironmentmean to you?

What does the environ-ment mean to you? Does itmean trees, birds, fresh air oreven a forest? Do you comeinto that picture, are you evenin that large list of words thatmean the environment to you?Because when everything’ssaid and done, you are part ofit. I could go on and on with thousands of facts about the waywe’re wasting our environment but what really matters is the waythat we live our everyday lives. For example, when you are finishedwith batteries do you throw them out or do you give them to a fac-tory that can dispose of them properly? In the end, I can’t say howimportant it is to do the little things that you think don’t matterbecause those are the things that sometimes matter the most.

Jeremy E. MurrayHeritage Regional High School, International Program

The next generation of green speaks

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. – Native American Proverb


The environment and theimportance of being environ-

mentally responsible is a hot topicthese days. At the Metro TorontoConvention Centre (MTCC) indowntown Toronto, environmen-tal stewardship is a fundamentalcommitment.

“Sustainability, recycling and conservation are among theMTCC’s core values,” explains Vince Quattrociocchi, VicePresident of Operations. “These values are being embracedin many different ways at the MTCC.”

The Centre’s commitment to being “green” is rooted in itsdesire to be a socially conscious organization and a good cor-porate citizen. As Canada’s largest meeting venue, the MTCChas over 2 million sq. feet of space and hosts more than 2 mil-lion people annually. When this many people get together,there is the potential to consume a lot of natural resourcesand to produce a lot of waste.

“We wanted not only to be responsible when it comes toall things environmental, but also to be ahead of the curve,”Vince adds, noting that the MTCC’s thinking in this areaevolved at a time well before environmental policies were thenorm in corporate Canada.

“We wanted to provide true leadership in this area. Wewanted to show what can and should be done, so that othersin the industry and even Canada’s business community aswhole would be encouraged to follow our lead.”

From this inspired beginning, the MTCC set about findingstrategies to reduce its carbon footprint as much as possible,emerging as one of the country’s best models of a greenbuilding today.

For meeting planners who are keen to host their events ata facility as committed to environmental sustainability as theyare, the MTCC offers many “green” features and benefits.

The Centre’s South Building, for example, is home to anenormous seven-acre green roof. It comes complete with apark and benches for the public to enjoy. A green roof of thissize offers many environmental benefits. In the summer ithelps to cool the building, and in the winter it keeps thebuilding well insulated and the heat in, helping to reduceoverall energy consumption. The City of Toronto benefits too– having such a large green space helps to decrease the city’stemperature, while beautifying the overall cityscape.

The Centre has also workedhard to become as energy effi-cient as possible. MTCC staffimplemented a variety ofupgrades designed to save onenergy use, including schedulingair-handling and lighting systems,retrofitting older lighting to more

efficient lamps, and, where appropriate, implementing motiondetectors in meeting rooms. Recently, the Centre signed anagreement with Bullfrog Power, the leading supplier of cleanrenewable electricity, to power its administrative and corpo-rate facilities while also making this carbon neutral optionavailable to the MTCC’s event clients.

The Centre also replaced and modernized its old natural gasboilers, and was the first facility in Toronto to be on EnwaveEnergy’s Deep Lake Water Cooling system. This system usesextremely cold water extracted from the depths of nearby LakeOntario to cool the entire facility, resulting in a significant reduc-tion in electricity consumption, fewer carbon dioxide emissions,and a reduction in ozone depleting refrigerants. Over the pastfive years, these steps have helped to reduce the building’s totalenergy consumption by an astonishing 40 percent.

The MTCC has also placed major emphasis on recycling, andtoday recycles fully 72% of all the waste generated on site. Thisrepresents a 21% waste reduction over the past three years. TheCentre also recycles more than 2,000 pounds of food (8 to 12,000meals) annually by donating leftovers to local food banks.

The MTCC pioneered as well the concept of holding large-scale Zero Waste Events. These are events that successfullyavoid adding to the existing landfill burden by preventing,eliminating or recycling virtually everything they generate.

“We have a responsibility as an industry, and as a corpora-tion, to try and reduce our energy load, increase our recyclingefforts, and create a zero footprint, as much as possible,”Vince says. “That is something that we truly believe in as anorganization, from our President to our front line staff.”

The MTCC’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Centrewas awarded the 2007 AIPC Innovation Award in recognitionof the importance of green issues to congress centres, as wellas the 2007 Green Toronto Award in the MarketTransformation category.

MTCC: Committed to environmentalsustainability and stewardship



Planning a green event canbe an enjoyable task when

you work together with like-minded allies.

The Palais des congrès deMontréal is proud to offer a support program designed toencourage and promote the staging of ecoresponsibleevents. We use proven methods inspired by some of the bestsustainability practices anywhere. Also, we enjoy a specialbond with our clients that has been our trademark for 25years.

A HANDY GUIDEWe developed a practical guide titled “Organizing a green

event” to support planners through every stage of the plan-ning process. It is a comprehensive guide, outlining the envi-ronmental steps to consider as you organize, hold and reviewyour event. The options are offered À la carte, because everyaction counts. The guide helps you address your environmen-tal concerns and those of your clients in a credible and coher-ent fashion. You can view the guide on our website at:www.congresmtl.com.

MEETING THE GREEN CHALLENGE In 2005, the Palais hosted the 11th United Nations

Convention on Climate Change, a major event that drew10,000 delegates and visitors. It was a green, carbon neutralconference, i.e. pollution prevention and resource conserva-tion were factored into all aspects of the event, such as loca-tion, food services, transportation and the supply of materials,with a view to reducing the environmental impact. This flag-ship event proved a seminal test for our methods, which wehave since used for other events, such as the 30th WorldCongress of the International Society of Limnology, the MPIWorld Education Congress, and the RONA Spring Show.

A GREEN BUILDING LIVING UP TO EXPECTATIONS

Green is beautiful at the Palais, and it has been for sometime. Environmental measures to reduce energy consumptionwere integrated to the building during its expansion phase in2000-2002. In 2005, the Palais was Go Green certified by the

Building Owners andManagers Association(BOMA). The programrecognizes the environ-mental protection effortsof owners and managers

of existing properties. The Palais has since been recognized twice more for its

energy performance:• Énergia award (2006) from the Association québécoise de lamaîtrise de l’Énergie•Member of the Hydro-Québec Energy Savers' Circle (2008),grouping together large corporations recognized for theirleadership and outstanding performance in the area of ener-gy efficiency

PARTNERING THE WAY TO A RESPONSIBLETOURISM INDUSTRY

The Palais is a member of the Montréal tourism industryGreen Committee mandated to develop a plan to help curbthe environmental footprint of tourism activities that willmake businesses individually and collectively accountable fortheir actions.

The world’s first major city to sign the National GeographicSociety’s Geotourism Charter, and also quality accredited byDestination Marketing Association International, Montréal is aleading ecoresponsible destination for associations and organ-izations that value the environmental impact of their events.

On the Web: www.congresmtl.com• • •

Add some green to your eventsfor a shade of uniqueness!

Don’t it always seem to goThat you don’t know what

you’ve got til it’s gone

They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.

Joni Mitchell“Big Yellow Taxi”

18 July-August ’08THEPLANNER’S GREEN GUIDE16 July-August ’08THEPLANNER’S GREEN GUIDE

Could you cut out 1 in 5 business trips?The World Wildlife Federation’s UK arm has published a report

entitled Travelling Light as part of their new campaign called Onein Five Challenge, which encourages business travellers to reducethe number of flights they take on business by 20%.

The report includes the findings of research carried outamong 100 FTSE350 companies earlier this year. Among thekey findings were:• 89% of companies surveyed expect they will want to fly lessover the next ten years• 70% of companies either have or are developing an environ-mental policy• 85% of companies believe that videoconferencing has thepotential to reduce their business flying• 77% of companies expect they will travel more by rail

In Halifax, with our dramaticcoastline and refreshing salt-sea

air, the environment is so importantto who we are as people, that asmeeting and event hosts we reallywant to ensure we’re doing our verybest to take care if it.

The World Trade and ConventionCentre Halifax has implemented anarray of eco-friendly programs to min-imize our impact on the environmentwhile providing the best meetings,conferences, trade shows and eventson Canada’s East Coast.

Meeting planners will literally experience a breath of freshair in our facilities thanks to its increased number of outdoorair intakes; these complement a state-of-the-art digital systemthat automatically controls ventilation and keeps tempera-tures comfortable. Water-conserving fixtures and equipmenthelp to reduce our water consumption levels, and occupancysensors in every meeting and banquet room ensure that lightsremain on only when rooms are actually in use.

We adhere to a strict environmental policy for the purchaseof products and equipment. Our cleaning products, for exam-ple, are either Eco Logo or Green Seal-certified, all light bulbsare free of mercury, and our stationery is printed on FSC-cer-tified paper stock. We also follow a stringent protocol forsafely disposing of any hazardous or chemical waste.

Behind the scenes in our kitchenand operational offices, we separateall of our paper and blue-bag recy-clables from regular refuse, andcompost all organic materials inaccordance with our Solid WasteManagement Program. We encour-age our visitors to do the same, andprovide appropriate waste-separa-tion containers in all public areas ofthe facility.

Our award-winning cateringteam offers a delectable choice ofmenus crafted from regionally

available, seasonal and organic products, all free of trans-fats.Meals and snacks are beautifully presented on porcelainrather than disposable dishware, and refillable water jugs areoffered to meeting attendees instead of bottled water.

Finally, the World Trade and Convention Centre is located inthe heart of downtown Halifax, just a leisurely stroll to majorhotels, shopping and tourist attractions – so no commute isrequired to get you where you need to be. That’s a doublebonus: we’re happy about the reduced greenhouse gas emis-sions, and we’re thrilled to show you our vibrant seaside cultureand lifestyle. Where else can you squeeze in a whale-watchingeco-tour between a lunchtime meeting and an evening conven-tion banquet? Visit www.wtcchalifax.com to find out.

WTCC Halifax. How refreshing.

WTCC has become very eco-friendly

In 2006, the MTCC was awarded the Building Owners andManagers Association of Canada GO Green designation, aswell as the Gold Award in the Ontario Waste Minimizationcompetition held by the Recycling Council of Ontario.

Clearly, the MTCC has lots to celebrate. But it is not sit-ting on its laurels. The Centre continues to pursue new ideasaggressively and is already exploring its options with regardto a comprehensive high quality carbon offsets program.

Located in Toronto, the MTCC is Canada's #1 convention and trade

show facility with over 600,000 square feet of exhibit and meeting space

including 64 meeting rooms and a world-class 1,330-seat theatre.

On the Web: www.mtccc.com

MTCC has a lot to celebrate,but it wants to do even more



Times are changing and theneed to think on a deeper

level about environmentalresponsibility is certainly uponus, no longer are organizationssimply focusing on the 3 “R”s(reduce, reuse, recycle) regardingenvironmental responsibility, butare starting to apply conscious-ness to all aspects of work and production. The meeting &event industry is especially focused on this issue as it under-stands the impact large events have on the environment andits role in mass consumption. Exhibition Place has establisheditself as a world leader in energy-efficient technologies andhas implemented environmental initiatives resulting in awardwinning recognition across North America.

Exhibition Place has recently commenced construction torenovate the historical Automotive Building into a newConference Centre, which will be the first in Canada to targetLEED Silver designation (Leadership in Energy Efficiency &Design). The Conference Centre, connected to Direct EnergyCentre will feature unique environmental aspects including: nat-ural light in corridors and meeting rooms, low energy dimma-ble lighting, low VOC paint and carpet, and FSC wood finishes.The venue will feature the largest divisible ballroom in Toronto,and will be complimented by 20 state of the art meeting rooms.Opening in June 2009, it will offer a turn-key, green meetingvenue to meeting planners and event organizers.

Since 2004, Exhibition Place, the home of the Direct EnergyCentre, has undertaken an environmental stewardship initia-tive with a program that includes the promotion of sustainabledevelopment, environmental initiatives and leading edgegreen technologies and practices across the 192-acre site.

Exhibition Place is committed to a goal of environmentalresponsibility, in terms of energy production and waste reduc-tion, by 2010, and has adopted a number of innovative greenprojects, which include:

• Construction of the new LEED Silver Conference Centre,opening June 2009.

• Compostable Food Packaging Recycling Program. a com-postable disposable packaging program for cups, lids, plates,napkins, utensils, and food packaging– all of which are com-posed in the green-bin.

• Perishable food dona-tions and organic recycling.We work with local agen-cies to donate perishablefoods to local shelters andfood banks. Food waste iscollected and donated tolocal farmers.

• Linen-free meetingrooms. Standard classroom sets feature linen-free tables toconserve water, and reduce environmentally harmful dry-cleaning of table linens

• Lighting retrofits to decrease energy consumption andimprove exhibit halls' overall light levels results in an annualreduction of 2.3 million kilowatt hours of energy use. Meetingrooms are equipped with lighting movement sensors.

• Venue Naming Rights fees of $7M for the 10-year spon-sorship of Direct Energy Centre are earmarked exclusively forenvironmental initiatives.

• Energy programs include: the first urban wind turbine,which generates 1 million kilowatt hours of power annually;a photovoltaic plant to collect solar energy; a geothermalinstallation; and a green roof, and an urban reforestation andlakewater irrigation program..

• With such innovative thinking in place it is easy to under-stand how Direct Energy Centre, and the new ConferenceCentre continues to gain recognition in being an environmen-tal leader and how it is committed to being proactive in itsefforts to introduce green initiatives, improving the environ-ment in Toronto and throughout Canada. Exhibition Placeplays host to over 250 exhibitions, meetings, conventions,sporting events and special events each year.

Direct Energy Center is anuncompromising green leader

Become a locavoreLocavores are people who pay attention to where their

food comes from and commit to eating local foods as muchas possible. The great thing about eating local is that it’snot an all-or-nothing venture; any small step you take helpsthe environment, protects your family’s health and supportssmall farmers in your area.

BY DR. JOE SCHWARTZ

Dry cleaning isn’t dry, and when it comes to environ-mental concerns, it isn’t clean either. But the indus-try is set to bring some “greening” to cleaning.

To appreciate what the future may hold, a bit of history isin order. And it all starts with a clumsy maid and an alert dyemanufacturer. As the story goes, one day in 1855, Jean-Baptiste Jolly’s maid knocked over a kerosene lamp on a din-ner table and proceeded to mop up the spilled liquid with acloth. When the man of the house sat down to dinner, hemade a startling discovery. A segment of the table cloth wasmuch cleaner than the rest of the fabric and stains that haddefied laundering with water had now vanished! Asked aboutwhat had happened, the maid sheepishly admitted accidental-ly soaking the tablecloth with kerosene.

Far from being angry Jolly was elated. He had long strug-gled in his dye business with unwanted stains and now imme-diately recognized the potential of using kerosene as a clean-ing agent. It didn’t take long for Jolly to capitalize on hisobservation and launch a business, inventing the term “net-toyage a sec” or “dry cleaning” to describe the novel venture.

“Dry” refers to the absence of water, not the absence of liquid.Essentially the clothes were washed in kerosene instead

of water.Kerosene, a mixture of compounds containing chains of 12

to 15 carbon atoms was readily available from the fractionaldistillation of petroleum. Unfortunately it was highly flamma-ble, as were other petroleum distillates, such as gasoline,which was also used in the early days of dry cleaning. Firesin dry cleaning establishments were common place and some-thing had to be done. W.J. Stoddard, an Atlanta dry cleaner,tackled the problem by trying different fractions of petroleum.

He found that a fraction that distilled at lower temperaturesthan kerosene, composed of over 200 compounds havingfrom five and 12 atoms, joined together in chains or rings, didnot ignite as readily. In 1928 the “Stoddard solvent” made itsentry into the dry cleaning business.

But it wasn’t ideal. It was still flammable and smelly.And then along came the “chlorinated hydrocarbons,” syn-

thetic compounds that were not flammable and were moreeffective cleaning agents than the petroleum distillates.Carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene were the first ones used, but were quickly replaced by the superior perchloroethylene, or “perc” which is still the mainstay of thedry cleaning industry.

Clothes are placed into a machine that looks much like anordinary washing machine but is filled with perc instead ofwater. Actually, it isn’t only perc.

While this solvent is excellent for removing greasy stains,it is not as good at removing water soluble stains or insolublesoils. So small amounts of “co-solvents” such asbutoxyethanol and isopropyl alcohol are added along with avariety of detergents.

These are similar to, but not identical with the detergentsused in regular laundering. They are molecules that have dis-tinct water-soluble and perc-soluble regions and help removestains that would normally not be soluble in perc by forminga link between the stain and the solvent. In general, one endof a detergent molecule bears a charge and is attracted toinsoluble soils, the particles of which then become chargedand repel each other. The end result is that dirt is lifted fromthe surface.

There is no doubt that perc cleans well and is quite kindto fabrics.

But it is not so kind with the people that work with it.Various studies have shown an increased incidence of canceramong workers in the dry cleaning industry, and there havebeen episodes of escaping solvent sickening people. In oneinstance, in Holland, the accidental release of 80 litres of perccaused 15 people living in an apartment building above a drycleaning establishment to be hospitalized with respiratoryproblems.

Given that 70 percent of all perc used eventually ends upin the environment, and that there are some 180,000 drycleaning shops around the world that use perc, there is alegitimate concern about the future of this technology. Eventhe trace amounts of solvent that may escape from dry-cleaned clothes stored in closets have raised eyebrows ofsome toxicologists, but the main issue is about safety of work-ers in the industry. Modern perc systems minimize, but donot eliminate the escape of the solvent, so “greener” alterna-tives are desirable.

Four possibilities have emerged. An improved version ofthe Stoddard solvent made by isolating a very specific mixtureof compounds containing 10-13 carbons from petroleum isused by some dry cleaners, and a silicone solvent with theforeboding name of decamethylcyclopentasiloxane is alsoavailable. This compound is non-toxic and biodegradablereadily to sand, water and carbon dioxide.

Dry cleaning industry is set to clean up




Ask the A/V expert...In this series of articles, InfoComm AV instructor Philippe

Kwon (Inland AV; Winnipeg) addresses audio visual questions sent in by event planners. To submit a question ona particular issue, email Philippe at: [email protected].

Dallas Ballance from Goodwin BallanceCommunications in Winnipeg recently asked us:

“Today’s meeting planners are increasingly looking forways to make their meetings and events ‘greener’. When itcomes to AV, are there any options available to help us do this?”

Today’s audiovisual technologies do provide options thatcontribute to helping make events greener. There are fourareas in which AV can assist in this effort: by reducing travel,paper, plastic, and electrical consumption.

Reducing travel to meetings results in considerable envi-ronmental benefits. Not only does it reduce fuel consumption,but it also results in less air pollution due to a reduction ingas emissions. The benefits increase with the distance thatpeople would have travelled. However, if people don’t trav-el to a meeting, how do they benefit from the content or theability to participate in the meeting?

Webcasting and videoconferencing technologies providethe solution by bringing the meeting to the person. Thesetechnologies continue to evolve and are becoming commonmethods of communication and presentation. The main ben-efit of webcasting and videoconferencing is that they extendthe reach of a presentation. They allow individuals unable toattend the meeting to observe or participate in it from any-where in the world.

Reducing the use of paper is another green objective.While it is unlikely that we can eradicate the use of papercompletely, AV technologies can reduce the amount of paperused at events. One instance where the use of AV technologyand creative system design helped to reduce the use of paperwas in the case of the Milgard wrongful conviction inquiry inSaskatchewan. Instead of copying reams of paper documentsfor all the participants, they were shared electronically. Mostof the documents were scanned into a computer prior to theinquiry. A visual presenter (or document camera) displayedinformation that had not been previously scanned.

The leaders of the inquiry used three touch screens tomanage the documents. Sixteen 19” computer monitors andone large projection screen were positioned so that people inthe room could see the information being referenced. Notonly did this system save on paper, it also saved time.

Rather than stopping to give people time to find a particular

document, the document was displayed instantly on allscreens.

Conferences can also reduce the amount of paper distributedby providing delegates with a website or ftp site from which toview or download presentations at a later date. If a conferencehas 15 presenters (keynote and breakout), each presentation is30 slides long and 300 delegates attend, we can save 135,000pieces of paper by using the internet-based option.

Another great idea being implemented in the meetingindustry is to use whiteboards instead of flipcharts. While thischange seems small, it saves on huge amounts of paper andprovides a considerable benefit to the environment in thelong run.

The use of plastic is a significant issue and can be mini-mized by reducing the consumption of compact discs forevents. Leading edge AV companies provide services thatallow conference and event presenters to upload their presen-tation files to an ftp site prior to the event. The files are theninstalled on the presentation laptops by the AV company. Thissolution can potentially provide a duel benefit since it doesaway with the need for compact discs and reduces the trans-portation required to deliver the disc to the AV company.

Lighting fixtures in our homes, workplaces and meetingvenues contribute to a major consumption of electricity.Traditional incandescent bulbs are relatively inefficient andgive off a lot of heat. Today, we have more efficient lightingoptions. One of these is the CFL or compact fluorescent bulb.A household CFL uses 13 watts to provide a light output simi-lar to that of a 60 watt incandescent bulb. The added benefit is that these bulbs don’t get as hot as their incandescent counterparts.

LED lighting provides a similar AV option that reducesenergy consumption by 75-90 percent. As with the CFL, theLED light gives off very little heat. However, unlike the CFL,the LED fixtures are dimmable; thus enabling us to adjust thebrightness of the light. Another interesting feature of LEDtechnology is that some LED fixtures allow the user to adjustthe colour of the light via a control panel. Many of these fix-tures can also be programmed to change colour automatically.

Event planners should consult with their AV firm for ideason how to make their next meeting a little more green.

Propylene glycol ethers are another class ofsolvents that can be used to remove stains butits environmental consequences are not clear.And then there is liquid carbon dioxide.

CARBON DIOXIDE AND CLIMATECHANGE

The same carbon dioxide that is raising allthose questions about climate change may bethe answer to dry cleaning problems. Thegas can be compressed into a liquid and usedas a solvent in specially designed machines.

Liquid carbon dioxide is a very good sol-vent, but like water, it requires the additionof a detergent for maximum cleaning. Butuntil the 1990s nobody had come up with adetergent molecule that had a carbon diox-ide-soluble end. That’s when University ofNorth Carolina chemistry professor JoeDiSimone discovered that detergents contain-ing a fluorocarbon grouping on one endworked well in liquid carbon dioxide.

That’s why in the future we may not haveto worry about toxic, environmentallyunfriendly dry cleaning solvents.

But carbon dioxide systems may do morethan clean clothes. They may clean out wal-lets, too. The systems are expensive. Beinggreen requires an investment of green.

• • •

Joe Schwarcz is director of McGill University’s

Office for Science and Society (www.oss.mcgill.ca).

He has also published numerous books, including

the recent An Apple A Day published by Harper

Collins Canada. He can be reached at joe.schwar-

[email protected].

This article first appeared in The Gazette on

March 29, 2008 and was reproduced with kind per-

mission of the author.


The Winnipeg ConventionCentre has been awarded a

Go Green Certificate by theBuilding Owners and ManagersAssociation (BOMA). Thisnational environmental certifica-tion recognizes responsible prac-tices in building operations.The Go Green program honours

commercial buildings which are committed to “best practices” in waste reduc-tion and recycling, interior environment, building materials and resource con-sumption. Ten minimum requirements are identified in these key environmen-tal areas for a building to be granted the three year recognition ranging fromenergy and water use to indoor air quality and HVAC maintenance.

“All of us at the Centre have been dedicated to finding and implementingenvironmentally friendly innovations for a long time”, notes WinnipegConvention Centre’s General Manager, Klaus Lahr. “It’s an honour to be rec-ognized by this Canadawide organization.” As our society becomes moreenvironmentally conscious, there is a need to develop appropriate, practicalperformance standards that optimize our use of finite resources. A building'senvironmental friendliness is becoming a more significant factor in the over-all selection process. The efforts of BOMA have had a significant impact inhelping commercial building owners who care about our future environmen-tal challenges to get involved as leaders in this important movement.

It ain’t easy being green!


Being greenrequires aninvestment

of green

HOW TO BE A BETTER HOTEL TRAVELLERAre you interested in preserving our environment for future generations,?

Here are some things you can do as a travelling planner:• Tell hotel managers to adjust the air conditioning (summer) or heat

(winter) in the public areas, such as the lobby and banquet rooms, accord-ing to comfort levels. Experience shows that most hotel public spaces wast-ing huge amounts of energy in both seasons.

• When ordering room service, tell them not to send any extra food itemsor condiments you dont need such as butter, which is particularly wastefulto produce. Or if you drink your coffee black tell them to hold the cream.

• If you happen upon a hotel making Green effort, reward them withcomment cards and feedback. If you are at a hotel that shows no effort, takea moment to fill out the comment card and let them know this cause isimportant enough for you to change your future travel buying habits.

• If your hotel is one of the few that have already implemented a guestrecycling program, be sure to not only use it but to thank management for their efforts in person and/or on their comment cards. If recycling is not available in your guest room, mention the lack thereof to the hotel management in person or on your comment card.


BY JULIE LEPP ANDKATHLEEN ROBBINS

As a planner, there aremany ways to partic-

ipate in the greening ofyour industry and con-tribute to the bettermentof our environment. Thenumber one, most posi-tive thing you can do is tochoose a venue that is as environmentally conscious as possi-ble. Sounds easy? Well unfortunately, it is much harder thanit sounds because, many hotels, conference and conventioncentres are talking the green talk, but how can you know ifthey really walk that green walk?

The hospitality industry as a whole, is making great stridesto “clean up” the way they do business however, a recyclingbin out front does not necessarily mean that recycling is trulyhappening at that property. There is much more to beinggreen and an environmentally responsible property.

The clearest way to establish if the property is environmen-tally responsible is to ask for their green rating. Just like diamond ratings and star ratings, a property can qualify for aGreen Key or a Green Leaf recognition and a green rating isbecoming more important everyday.

There are two recognized rating organizations for greeninitiatives. The Audobon Green Leaf Program is an interna-tional association working with companies all over the worldand the The Green Key program is our national program inCanada. The rating results are very similar, with one leaf orkey for a minimum of committing to a set of environmentalprinciples and then 2 through 5 leaf or keys for actual resultsin applying those principles. When searching for a propertyand reviewing their CAA/AAA Diamond rating, and theirCanada Select Star rating, consider reviewing their Leaf or Keyrating. Ask for it if you don’t see it listed and if a property isnot rated, consider what that says about that company’s ded-ication or commitment to green initiatives.

Here are a few simple items you can jot down to look forand ask about when you are touring venues for your clients,besides their green rating:

• Do they reduce waste in conference rooms? For example, all meeting rooms generally have water suppliedbut look to see how it is supplied (i.e. is the water suppliedfrom a reusable container instead of plastic bottles or if not

possible, do they havetags for the bottles toindicate they are still inuse to ensure that thebottles are not cleared atbreaks?). Gone are thedays of Styrofoam coffeecups!

• Did the hotel provide you with an

electronic proposal? Do they use recycled paper for their doc-uments? Do they offer online registration? Encourage presen-ters to use PowerPoint presentations and electronic handoutsinstead of hard copies

• Take a look at the grounds surrounding the hotel.Gardens should feature local vegetation and native plants andask if they are chemical and pesticide free.

• In the guestrooms look for programs that promote linenand towel reuse. Do the bathrooms have low flow shower-heads and low flush toilets to conserve water?

• In the meeting room or event room, do they offer poweralternatives to offset the carbon footprint? Be aware of ener-gy saving polices in the guest and meeting rooms (i.e. lightsout when not occupied, a/c on low, high efficiency light bulbs)

• Ask if their menus are designed to centre around locallygrown ingredients and produce.

Everyone is aware of our changing world and in an effortto reduce the impact on the environment; individuals andindustries are putting plans in place and making changes intheir daily lives to make a difference. Corporations will belooking for green suppliers in every aspect of business.

In the hotel and meeting industry, it’s certainly not perfectand there is no property out there that gets it right everydayin every single way however, look for those properties thatare making a genuine effort and you’ll do well for yourself,for your client and of course, for our world!

The White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa is located in Niagara-

On-the-Lake, Ontario and is the only resort in Niagara to receive the

prestigious Four Leaf rating from the Audobon Green Leaf TM Program.

On the Web: www.whiteoaksresort.com

White Oaks leads the green crusade

MEETING EXPECTATIONSGreen has gone mainstream. And companies everywhere

are striving toward environmental sustainability. But just howdo time-starved planners with their eye on the bottom line fitsaving the planet into an already packed event agenda?

Here are 14 top-ranked tips. Try implementing one a dayfor the next two weeks, until they start to become a habit.Stick with the ones that work and continue adapting andadding with each event you organize.

“Going green it’s important to think big, but it’s okay tostart small,” says Anne White of Muskoka’s DeerhurstResort. “Get educated, be practical, balance things out, collaborate with your suppliers and just strive to be a bit moreeco-friendly with every meeting.”

PLANNINGSTART SMART1. Go Surfing The Internet is an excellent, paper-freeresource. Environment Canada offers a downloadable GreenMeetings Manual as well as checklists and other tools.BlueGreen Meetings and the Canada Green Meeting Guide arejust two other good places to start.2. Check for Ratings Look for the increasing number of ven-ues and hotels who are getting their efforts certified.Examples include the Hotel Association of Canada’s GreenKey Program, the U.S. Energy Star program and LEED build-ing certification.3. Share Your Strategy Inform potential suppliers of yourevent’s green goals, ask them about their environmental prac-tices and how they can help, particularly with acting locally.For example they can help you source environmental innova-tions like electricity from renewable energy sources likeBullfrog Power.

TRANSPORTATION KEEP MOVING AHEAD4. Get It Together Alert attendees to environmentally prefer-able transportation choices such as mass transit and carpoolingfor getting to their destination or arrange for group shuttles.5. Switch Off Ask your coach drivers not to idle their engineswhen waiting to collect attendees.6. Stay On Board Promote and purchase carbon offset creditsfor flights and other greenhouse gas producing transportationthrough organizations like Zerofootprint, Drive Neutral andOffsetters.

VENUES & ACCOMMODATIONSWORK WITH YOUR LOCATION7. Sleep Well Select facilities that offer features and servic-es like multi-stream recycling; staff that is educated to closeblinds, turn off lights and turn clown the heat/air condition-ing when rooms are vacant; a bedding and towel re-use pro-gram and energy efficient lighting.8. Support a Clause Include specifics of environmental com-mitments, such as recycling facilities in every meeting room,in your contracts or letters of agreement.9. Head Outside Depending on your location, finding a wayto incorporate outdoor activities in your meeting, whether it’san outing to an eco-friendly golf course, a teambuilding ses-sion or a fresh air meeting break, is a prime way to encour-age close-up environmental awareness.10. Eat Local Serve regional beer and wine and menus featur-ing seasonal specials, local, organic and sustainable ingredi-ents. You’ll be supporting area producers, minimizing theimpacts of transport and introducing your delegates to theflavours of the destination.

MATERIALSCHOOSE GIFTS AND HAND-OUTS WITH CARE11. Carry On Almost every meeting comes with a bag of somesort. Choose totes made from earth-friendly and recycledmaterials and don’t imprint dates so you can reuse any left-overs at another event. 12. Supply and Demand Cost-effective green options are nowavailable for everything from lanyards to pens, so make useof them.

Eco-consciousness is second nature


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COMMUNICATIONTALK IT UP

13. Go Digital Set up on-line registration and provide elec-tronic copies of notes and presentation hand-outs. Instead ofCDs consider giving out reusable USB keys.

14. Spread the Word Incorporate green messaging through-out your event in places like signage and menus. And geteveryone involved with reminders, like to turn out guest roomlights, during daily housekeeping announcements.

REDUCING THE FOOTPRINT BY INNOVATINGLike many hotels, Muskoka’s landmark Deerhurst Resort is

hard at work reducing its environmental footprint through recy-cling, lighting and bathroom retrofits, other usage reductionsand employee education. But making green changes at a 780-acre property that encompasses two golf courses, a large stretchof waterfront and more than 30 different buildings constructedover a century, including several privately owned condos comeswith plenty of challenges – and many opportunities.

One of the fastest-growing aspects of Deerhurst’s green strat-egy starts in its restaurants and kitchens. A founding memberof the Savour Muskoka culinary trail, the resort already harvests

maple syrup, honey, apples, herbs, wild leeks and cat tails for acrunchy signature salad on-site. They are growing their ownshiitake mushrooms on recycled logs and have worked with alocal farmer to start raising their own brand of organic beef.

Meeting guests can get up close and personal with some ofthese efforts too. Sugaring off events add a sweet and greenflavour to March meetings. And a demonstration beehive addsreal buzz to one of the resort’s many themed events.

Deerhurst’s kitchens now composts 100 percent of their greenfood preparation waste, from lettuce trimmings to banquets’used coffee grounds. And to continue driving eco-innovation byexample, Executive Chef Rory Golden has collaborated withtheir on-site provider of year-round Hummer tours to bio refuelthe emissions-heavy vehicle with recycled cooking oil.

Aside from another good excuse to order those house-madekettle chips, Deerhurst also offers delegates a unique opportu-nity to get up close and personal with nature through theiracclaimed Adventures in Excellence teambuilding program,which includes two ropes courses and a climbing wall, and“Fresh Air, Fresh Ideas” meeting breaks.

According to Deerhurst Director of Sports Mark O’Dell, “Gettingpeople outside in Muskoka is a real eye-opener on how and why weall need to strive to be more sustainable and earth friendly, every day.It’s an incredible experience and we want to make it even better.”

On the Web: www.deerhurstresort.com


Deerhurst’s restaurants andkitchens are also going green

Sandals Resortsappreciates theenvironment can

be very important formany guests who knowthat their travel decisionscan actually stimulate pos-itive change in the placesthey visit. This desire forsoc ia l ly - respons ib letourism - the idea thattravel can serve as a toolto build understanding across different cultures and physicalboundaries – is ultimately influencing their choice of destination.

Long before the market began demanding socially-responsi-ble travel experiences, Sandals Resorts was quietly but activelyendorsing community-based tourism. The company’s commit-ment to nurturing relationships, of every sort, has alwaysextended well beyond the entrances to the resorts. Indeed,Sandals stands among the pioneers in the tourism industry forits forward-thinking policies and demonstrated commitment toenvironmental initiatives and community work.

Each of resorts in the chain has achieved Green Globe 21standard, the stringent, worldwide certification program forsustainable travel and tourism. Environmental managers ateach location oversee programs that reduce energy and waterconsumption, diminish air pollution, protect marine life anddevelop strong connections with the local communities.

Sandals is completely committed to preserving the viabilityand the natural beauty of its resorts’ surroundings.

The flourishing gar-dens, replete withindigenous plantings,envelope guests in arelaxing world of richgreens, pinks, purplesand reds. Sandalsexclusively uses natu-ral fertilizers toenhance these spectac-ular tropical settings soguests can meander

through a garden so lush it’s literally breathtaking …thenswim in an ocean uncontaminated by chemical run-off. Everyproduct used at Sandals is thoroughly evaluated to ensure thatit’s safe for both the guest and the environment.

At Sandals Resorts, going green also involves the equally-important mission of enhancing the quality of life and thesocial environment of local communities in which they oper-ate. By engaging staff and local residents alike, the messageof environmental concern and responsibility filters throughentire communities and everyone benefits.

Sandals Resorts absolutely delivers a totally luxuriousexperience but concerned guests can rest assured that itsoperations are in harmony with the splendid tropical sur-roundings they’ve come to enjoy. Sandals goal is to ensurethat their guests enjoy the rich beauty of the Caribbean andleave knowing the only thing they have left behind is a foot-print in the sand.

On the Web: www.sandals.com

Sandals has a love for Mother Nature


the planner's green guide 2008

Documents

kimpton hotels

age of hotels

late hotels

green commitments

green cause

room rate

day stage

little green whenit