Each year, the National Brownfields Conference planning team strives to integrate more sustainable practices and reduce the environmental impact of the conference. Brownfields 2011 is no exception and will build on the success of Brownfields 2009 greening efforts in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Thanks to participant support at the Morial Convention Center, Brownfields 2009 recovered more than 5,830 pounds of clean, marketable recyclables which equates to a recycling rate of 68 percent!
This year, the planning team is working in conjunction with the staff at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) to ensure the proper focus on minimizing waste generation and promoting recycling. The conference will be held in the center’s newly opened expansion that will feature 42 inch electronic screens outside each meeting room. The screens will be able to electronically post sessions, and greatly reduce the need for foam core and paper signage. In addition, the PCC recycles paper, aluminum, glass bottles and jars, plastic containers, and metal. At the end of the conference, the PCC will provide a waste stream report that measures different waste streams and recycling statistics. In 2007 and 2008 alone, the PCC recycled and diverted a combined 599,660 pounds of waste from landfills, helping to reduce the impact on the environment
Aramark, the PCC’s food and beverage supplier, will provide sustainable cutlery, hot/cold beverage cups, napkins and plates made of 100% decomposable and biodegradable materials at all functions. When seasonably available, Aramark’s cooking recipes now call for organically grown vegetables and fruits purchased from local purveyors. In addition, Aramark is now piloting an innovative organic waste decomposition system that uses microorganisms to safely and quickly decompose all food waste including: meat, poultry, fish, fruit, vegetables, rice, pasta, bread, coffee grinds, egg shells, and dairy products. More information will be provided on-site at the conference on this new technology to reduce food waste.
Through participating sponsors, Brownfields 2011 will continue to provide carbon offsets for the conference to help neutralize the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from conference activities. The greening efforts of participating Brownfields 2011 hotels will be featured in an upcoming newsletter!
If you have additional ideas on how the Brownfields Conference could be greener in the future, please make comments and recommendations on the feedback forms included in your conference package or on your session evaluation forms.