The Greening of IIDEX/NeoCon Canada
THE GREENING OF IIDEX/NEOCON CANADA 2006
IIDEX has launched a three year initiative to make the show more sustainable by using green suppliers and contractors to create Canada’s 1st GREEN trade show. Initiatives include: printing all promotional materials on FSC certified 100% post consumer recycled paper, creating a carbon neutral show and collaborating with the Direct Energy Centre to reduce the environmental footprint of the show.
IIDEX/NeoCon Canada Sustainable Mission Statement
As Canada’s largest exposition and conference for the design, construction and management of the built environment, IIDEX/NeoCon Canada has a responsibility to provide our community with a platform to access the latest sustainable products, services and educational offerings. It is our mandate and goal to collaborate with existing and new environmental stakeholders to create the most comprehensive tradeshow and conference on sustainability and the built environment in North America. As an industry leader in the exposition and conference sector, we recognize and accept our responsibility to provide leadership in environmental education and the advancement of market transformation.
Reduce your own Environmental Footprint at IIDEX/NeoCon Canada
You can also make a difference on your way to, during and on your way home from IIDEX/NeoCon Canada 2006. We want to assist all of our attendees and exhibitors so they can reduce their environmental impact during the show. Here are some suggestions:
Travel
On-Site at IIDEX
- Recycle your materials in appropriate bins
- The Direct Energy Centre employs waste diversion program that includes recycling of all paper materials, glass, plastic and metal. Click here to learn more about Direct Energy Centre’s Environmental Initiatives.
At your Hotel
- Recycle your materials
- Re-use your towels
- Turn off your heat or air conditioning, TV, Lights and Radio when you leave the room
GREEN Hotel
OUR HOST HOTEL: THE INTERCONTINENTAL TORONTO CENTRE
The InterContinental Toronto Centre is a proud Green Leaf Eco-Rated member of the Audubon Green Leaf Eco-Rating program for Hotels. The Audubon Green LeafTM Program is a great resource for the hospitality industry. Offered at two levels, it enables hotels to succeed with their eco-efficiency savings and environmental commitment. The program also provides the professional and leisure traveler verified environmentally responsible options.
The introductory level of commitment educates hotels on environmental and eco-efficiency issues. The second level provides hotels with a rating, a report that details how to get to the next level of performance, and an audit that verifies each property’s eco-efficiency functioning. The Audubon Green Leaf™ Program is based on the premise that what’s good for the environment can be good for business. Through attention to sound, environmentally responsible practices in all areas of its operations, a hotel can reduce its costs and increase its market share, while protecting our natural environment.
InterContinental Toronto Centre has made excellent progress in adopting industry best practices for energy efficiency, resource conservation and pollution prevention in all areas of its operations and management by scoring three Leaves in the Green Leaf program. Each guestroom is equipped with signage offering the re-use of all guestroom sheets and towels or the option to have them changed on a daily basis. Recycling boxes are located throughout the hotel including each guestroom. The hotel is currently in the process of replacing its lighting with more energy efficient lighting such as compact fluorescent lighting. The Intercontinental Toronto centre’s commitment to environmental stewardship, provides a standard in the hospitality industry. Efforts focused on a sustainable environment rely on the spirit of volunteerism and commitment of all Intercontinental Toronto Centre employees.
PrintGREEN Program
In collaboration with Spicers Paper, Zerofootprint and Somerset Printing, IIDEX/NeoCon Canada is pleased to announce the launch of our PrintGREEN program. For the first time ever, the entire IIDEX/NeoCon Canada promotional material program – letterhead, business cards, postcards and brochure will be printed on Canadian made Rolland Enviro -100 paper. This paper is manufactured from 100% post-consumer waste fiber; is Process Chlorine Free (PCF) and uses Biogas Energy in its production (an alternative “green energy” source produced from decomposing waste collected from landfill sites) to reduce greenhouse emissions and the depletion of the ozone layer. Rolland Enviro -100 saves the harvesting of mature trees; reduces solid waste that would have been dumped into landfill sites; uses 80% less water than conventional paper manufacturing and helps to reduce air and water pollution. We appreciate the support of Spicers Paper in developing this innovative program.
Somerset Printing is a Forest Stewardship Council approved printer and uses vegetable based inks in the production of all IIDEX/NeoCon Canada promotional materials.
This program has made a significant impact in the IIDEX/NeoCon Canada footprint on the environment. By printing all of our promotional materials under this program Spicers and Roland paper have been keeping an environmental audit on our progress.
As of August 1st, 2006 we are pleased to announce the following reduction in resource use and pollution.
- Trees Not Cut Down - 95 trees
- Reduction of solid waste - 6,045 lb lb.
- Reduction of water/wastewater flow – 55,882 gallons
- Reduction of air emissions - 1,531 lb. (CO2, SO2, NOX)
- Reduction of atmospheric emissions - 11,732 lb
Check back regularly as we roll out our promotional campaign we will be updating this data on a regular basis.
Reducing the Impact of Printing Through Paper Offsets
Zero Footprint - In addition to switching all of our printing program to 100% post consumer, recycled paper, chlorine free, FSC approved paper and printing methods, we are pleased to announce that all IIDEX/NeoCon Canada printed materials have qualified for a unique new paper offsets program from Zero Footprint. This program includes:
When a printed piece carries the Zerofootprint seal, it signifies that the natural resources used to create it have been restored to the environment in appropriate proportion:
- Trees have been planted in responsibly managed forests;
- Ancient forests have been protected and conserved;
- Watersheds have been restored;
- Carbon has been purchased to offset GHG emissions created through the manufacturing, printing and transporting of printed materials.
For more information on this program please click here or visit www.zerofootprint.net
GREEN Scene at the Direct Energy Centre
Direct Energy Centre has undertaken a comprehensive sustainability program which includes taking a leadership role in the use of energy-efficient technologies and the technical and financial strategies used to develop site sustainability. In addition, Direct Energy Centre is incorporating new opportunities to improve sustainability of the site through initiatives in energy supply and use, solid waste management, building system improvement, transportation improvements and greening initiatives. Click here to learn about the current sustainability initiatives undertaken at the Direct Energy Centre
For more information on Exhibition Place visit: www.explace.on.ca
GREEN Decorator
Working together with MMPI Inc. Canada to produce an environmentally friendly event, Stronco Show Services will use only water-based inks and produce all show management signage on coroplast which is 100% recycable. Stronco Show Services will, when available, rent Natural Gas powered forklifts for use at IIDEX. If Natural Gas powered forklifts are unavailable for rent in the quantities required, Stronco will make every effort to rent forklifts that use Emissions Reduction Technology, ECU equipped units and Catalytic Converters. Carpet and temporary displays are re-used from year to year and represents significant contribution to waste reduction. For more information on Stronco, please visit www.stronco.com.
GREEN Catering
Centerplate catering, the exclusive caterer for the Direct Energy Centre was an early adapter to the benefits of going “GREEN”. Their sustainable initiatives include:
- Recycling of all Bottles and Cans from concession stands, restaurants & catered events.
- Recycling of all Bottles and Cans from all kitchen and other production areas.
- Recycling of all cardboard from kitchen and other food production areas.
- Left over food product is sent to Toronto area food banks and feeding centre.
- Recycling of all food waste not suitable for food banks to Turtle Island Recycle Centre.
- Recycle all used oils, batched and sent to oil recycling facilities.
- Food Services to use only paper products and are free from using any foam products.
- All office paper products recycled and/or reused.
- Use of recycled materials where possible. Hand towels in kitchen and concessions.
IIDEX clears the way for Clean Air Pass Credits
Based on last year’s IIDEX/NeoCon Canada’s attendance, 288 tonnes of greenhouse gases (CO2e) were created by attendees traveling to the show by car and air travel. When an individual or company purchases a cleanairpass the revenue is used to purchase an equivalent quantity of emission reduction credits called “offsets” to compensate for this damage. The money collected goes towards energy conservation initiatives, technological improvements that lower emissions, or the development of clean renewable energy technologies like wind turbines. Cleanairpass is also offered through Tree Canada Foundation (TCF). TCF plants trees in urban areas, which traps carbon makes our air cleaner.
Cleanairpass is pleased to sponsor IIDEX/NeoCon Canada this year by offsetting the carbon emissions created by attendees traveling to this year’s show. Please visit the Cleanairpass exhibit in the Green Boulevard where we have a special offer for IIDEX/NeoCon Canada attendees. And don’t forget to check us out at http://www.cleanairpass.com to find out more ways to offset your emissions trail.
