Finally, proof from convention centers that green meetings are also an economic advantage…
The Oregon Convention Center reports that its recycling and other eco-minded practices will pay a $62.3 million dividend to the local economy. The nearly 30 events planned through 2010 will pay more than $4 million to use the convention center. Thanks to the magic of economic multipliers, visitors will spend enough on shopping, dining and lodging to send a $63.2 million wave of activity through the economy. (source: Portland Business Journal)
The San Diego Convention Center impressed me during a recent site inspection. From the General Manager to the Operations team, they are “walking the talk” and continuously looking for ways to improve their environmental performance. The energy efficiency systems now in place save money and the planet—and they have the measurements to prove it! This website talks about their policies as well as providing a downloadable fact sheet.
The Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, which has made environmental sustainability a priority for more than 20 years, is reconfirming their commitment and tripling its capacity to make it one of the greenest convention center’s in the world. Take a look http://www.vcec.ca/ I can personally attest to this. Way back in 1998 during a site inspection for a technology conference, they proudly offered me their environmental policies without being asked!
Sustainable for business…sustainable for the environment! Let’s hear from others…
We are starting to get a number of businesses that are focused on helping companies ‘green’ their event efforts at our site – http://www.greencollareconomy.com. I am glad to see that the convention centers are getting on board, as I read just yesterday that the events industry is the second largest producer of waste in the country (second only to construction). So we have a long way to go.
Yes, the hospitality industry has really gotten on board with green meeting practices and is now in the process of setting standards in conjunction with the USEPA. Green meetings have gone from fringe to mainstream behavior and change is happening much more quickly now. Please post the item you read yesterday, it will help drive our efforts!
Great post! Thanks a lot for sharing.