Sustainable Opportunities Summit
Environmental Considerations
The Sustainable Opportunities Summit and the GoGreen Conference aspire to produce an environmentally and socially responsible event.
- Commitment to the social dimension of sustainability via robust engagement and collaboration with locally based social cause and non-profit organizations.
- Commitment to the economic dimension of sustainability through a concentrated focus, in our programming and purchasing decisions, on building and supporting strong local/regional economies and green businesses.
- Commitment to minimize the environmental impact of each event through recognized sustainable best practices, vendor relationships and upholding high standards for venue selection.
We continually seek to further enhance our efforts in all of these areas. If you know of a additional opportunities for us to look into, please contact us at info@sossummit.org.
VENUE
Colorado Convention Center
LEED: Existing Building Operations and Maintenance Certificate
Recycling Program:
- The Convention Center has a long-standing, comprehensive recycling program that includes paper, plastic, cardboard and glass materials. The venue also uses biodegradable, compostable and recycled materials in its daily operations and works with clients to maximize recycling opportunities.
- We will take advantage of the Convention Center’s recycling program which partners with non-profits to distribute leftover conference materials.
Water Efficiency:
- Replaced the grass along 14th Street with native and drought resistant plants. As a result, 75% less water is used to maintain these areas.
- Low flow toilets and urinals
- Cleaning supplies are biorenewable
- Water Fill stations from Denver Water, encouraging use of refillable water bottles vs. plastic.
- Water Submeters to allow for accurate monitoring of use.
Energy Efficiency:
- 300kw rooftop Solar Array
- In 2009, the system produced 383,760 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity. This saved the equivalent of 282 metric tons (MtCO2e) of carbon dioxide emissions as compared to conventionally produced electricity, which equates to the CO2 emissions of the following: Saving 31,676 gallons of gasoline, Saving 655 barrels of oil, Planting 7,067 trees or taking 53 cars off the road for a year.
- 25% of the energy consumed by the building is purchased as Wind Energy
- Variable Frequency Drive fans in our HVAC system for increased efficiency.
- Natural Daylight leveraged in our Atriums.
- Lighting Level protocol set at 50 percent for move-in and 25 percent for cleaning and maintenance.
Transportation, Traffic Reduction:
- The Venue was chosen, in part, because of its central location. This not only reduces traffic, but minimizes vehicle emissions in the environment. The venue is located near multiple public transportation options, including bus, Light Rail transit system, as well as accessible bike parking.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
- Consumption of a meat heavy diet requires a much greater resource impact and production of greenhouse gases than a vegetarian diet. In order to reduce the Summit’s environmental impact, attendees will be served a vegetarian lunch unless they opt-out during registration.
- We closely track attendee numbers to avoid excess food waste.
- Locally grown and/or organic food is selected when possible.
- When organics are not available, we request and incorporate menu items with the lowest burden of pesticides, chemicals and hormones.
- Condiments are served in bulk instead of individual disposable packages.
- Cold beverages are served in pitchers instead of individual bottles.
- All serving ware is 100 percent compostable.
WASTE
- Zero-waste management efforts are implemented with materials reduction and re-use strategies. Remaining waste is diverted from the landfill via recycling and composting.
- Event promotion is pursued primarily via online methods: e-newsletters, online advertising and social media.
- The registration process utilizes a 100 percent paperless ticket system.
- Food scraps and service items will be composted.
- When disposable food products are necessary, renewable and responsible materials are used:
Compostable corn-based plastic containers
Compostable and sustainable sugarcane paper goods
Compostable potato and vegetable-based cutlery
Compostable corn-based cups
Environmental Considerations 2011
