Going green is everywhere you turn. Especially in the Meetings and Special Events industry but what is a Green meeting and how green do you go?
There is a trend creating and implementing greener business environments and we are seeing this reflected in the travel and meetings industry. When most people think of being “green“; or environmentally sensitive, recycling immediately comes to mind.
A green meeting goes beyond recycling. “Greening“ a meeting or event is a strategic method in implementing best green practices into our logistical planning process. It incorporates environmental considerations throughout all stages of the meeting in order to minimize the negative impact of the environment. Words like global warming often ignite a passion but many times we are left wondering what practical steps we can take to do our part in a realistic nature to make a difference in our daily lives. This includes our respective meeting planning profession as well.
This website is a resource tool designed to aid you and your company in green education, the benefits in going green, and to adopt best green practices within your daily planning routine. You will find articles from leading meeting professionals, best green practices, tips, proven case studies and lists of eco-friendly professionals and companies.
What is a Green Meeting? Green conventions or meetings are meeting related programs which are conducted in ways to minimize the environmental burdens imposed by such activities. Green meeting and event planners apply environmentally preferred or best “green“; practices to waste management, resource and energy use, travel and local transportation, food provision and disposal, site selections to include hotels and accommodations, and management and purchasing decisions.
Several high visibility events including the Olympic Games in Italy, Sydney, Utah, and Greece; the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, and the 2004 Democratic and Republican National Conventions have implemented green practices with varied success. Such efforts aim to conserve resources, protect air and water quality, habitat and human health, and showcase sustainability practices and concerns.
Parts of the hospitality industry now promote green meetings, conferences, and convention planning as demand for sustainability measures increases. Industry associations have produced standards and guides for green meetings. Government agencies and non-profit organizations also promote these practices with research, recommendations, grants and technical support. Green conventions, meetings, conferencing and events are part of an international movement to achieve a sustainable world economy and livable planet.
