Greening the Summit

The concept of an “ecological footprint” is often used when evaluating sustainability. The phrase refers to the impact of an activity on the natural world, measured both in terms of resource consumption and environmental pollution. It is applicable to individuals, communities, organizations – and events.

Green Technology has established a number of guidelines to reduce the footprint of events such as this Summit. This is viewed as a work in
progress; our long-term goal is to produce zero waste events that are also “carbon neutral” —i.e., any greenhouse gas emissions associated with the event have been offset.

We have partnered with the Pasadena Convention Center and the Convention
Decorating Service (CDS) to develop a strategy for this event. The following steps have been taken to reduce the footprint of the Summit:

Energy

Whether it is electricity generated from fossil fuels or natural gas used in
heating and cooling, conventional energy causes pollution. The following steps have been taken to reduce energy consumption:

• Heating and air-conditioning systems feature energy-efficient HVAC components.

• Lights turned off when the Expo is empty.

• Minimal lighting and air conditioning during set up, break down and clean up.

• Air conditioning turned on 1 hour before the event and turned off
immediately afterwards.

• Locally grown/in-season food and produce wherever possible.

• Truck idling in load-in area actively discouraged (also reduces emissions).

• Convention facility is one-half mile from Gold Line commuter rail station and
within walking distance of three bus stops, encouraging use of public transportation.

• An automated building control system, which includes motion sensors, monitors and manages equipment and lighting.


Water

Water is the lifeblood that sustains us, particularly in the Southwest. Conserving this precious resource is vital to our future. The following steps have been taken to use water wisely:

• Public restrooms are equipped with sensors to control faucets and waterless
urinals.

• Walkways, sidewalks and driveways swept, not sprayed.

• Stormwater run-off irrigation.

• Water efficient landscaping. The landscaping does not feature grass, which requires large amounts of water to maintain. Instead, the planters are filled with drought resistant native plants.

• Water-conserving restroom fixtures are predicted to reduce water consumption 37 percent.

Waste

Unprocessed solid waste takes up valuable landfill space and eventually creates methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. A number of strategies are being employed to reduce our solid waste:

• Recycling bins clearly marked and provided throughout the convention center, allowing for separation of glass, plastic, aluminum and trash.

• Packing supplies, such as corrugated cardboard, as well as shipping pallets
reused or recycled whenever possible.

• Paperless technology and two-sided printing are being used wherever possible.

• Badges and lanyards are recycled (lanyards are made from 100 percent bamboo, a renewable material).

• Bulk dispensers used for condiments.

• All food service containers made from post-consumer recycled materials and are 100 percent recyclable.

• All cleaning supplies used in food preparation area are biodegradable.

• Food area signage reused or recycled.

• Coffee makers, microwaves and other kitchen appliances are Energy Star rated

• Leftover food donated to community groups.

• Signage produced from 100 percent recycled material.

We hope that you will join us in our effort to reduce our “ecological footprint.”