Greening the Summit - Welcome

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. We have partnered with the Pasadena Convention Center and CDS Events and Expositions 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 one 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 (70% recovery of recyclables).

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

- 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.

- Signage produced from 100 percent recycled material.

Kitchen

- Select organic food purchasing

- No styrofoam use.

- Bulk water served for large conferences.

- Contract for grease/oil rendering and recycling

- No vinyl use in displays and table wraps.

- Donation of leftover foods (Local Food Bank – Union Station).

- No single service products used for catering buffets.

- Use of local purveyors to cut emissions and travel time.

- Digital menus and proposals vs. hard copy client collateral materials.

- Employees use washable plates, glasses & utensils for meals.

- Purchase and use hot and cold food/beverage containers from ECO-PRODUCTS from Nature Works Inc. that are all compostable and made from corn & other renewable resources.

- Use 90% china service for catered events.

- Dishwasher uses Ecolab Green Chemicals Dispensing System for washing and rinsing.

Green Cleaning Products

The Convention Center is currently using "100% Green Certified" cleaning products manufactured by Johnson Diversey for use within its facilities.

We hope that you will join us in our effort to reduce the impact of the Summit.