We Leave Nothing to Waste!

We firmly believe in making smart decisions to create a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly event. And, we are committed to a conference that is one day becomes a totally “zero waste” event. Our planning adheres to greening policies as an effort to reach our goal.

2010 will be no different and we are pleased that our location – the Raleigh Convention Center – holds a LEED Silver Certification. This, along with our attention to policies related to our print materials, products, vendors and other facility planning will ensure that we are Going Green.

Thank you to Lowe’s for their support of our Going Green efforts.

Details for our 2009 included:

• Print Materials Print Processes: eco-friendly printing guidelines were adhered to including inks, paper, and shipping considerations. The Conference Directory was printed on acid free, elemental chlorine free, 50% recycled paper containing 25% post-consumer fiber.
• Speaker Practices: paper-driven handouts were discouraged during sessions.

Sustainable Products

We strive to use products that adhere to more sustainable measures.

• Registration Bags: made of recycled materials, with no chlorine based compounds.
• Centerpieces: inherently green – use of orchids – and at end of day, the centerpieces were taken home by those attending.
• Signage: all signs were made of recycled materials and following the event, signs were processed into mulch and 800 pounds were not thrown into a landfill.

Facility Planning

In partnership with the Charlotte Convention Center:

• Recycling Centers: recycling stations were set up within the expo and around meeting rooms.
• Beverage Dissemination: offered non-bottled refreshments to reduce waste and potential for non-recycling.
• Cups: use of cups that decompose within 90 days.
• Food: locally sourced food for lunch and breaks.
• Composting: 1,100 pounds of remaining and unused food as a result of the conference was composted.
• Carpeting: limited use of carpeting within conference expo.

Vendors

Vendors were asked about their environmental practices. While this was not the final determining factor in vendor selection, this process begins the conversation on partnerships to create a greener event. 

This is just the beginning, but is a major step in creating a more sustainable event.