AIHce Green Meeting Initiatives

More and more conferences are working to become “green.” Green meetings or events incorporate environmental considerations to minimize negative impacts on the environment. AIHce has been progressively implementing green meeting initiatives, expanding its efforts annually to become more environmentally friendly. New initiatives have ranged from moving conference information to the web to our latest initiative — providing electronic handouts for selected PDCs.

The 2008 AIHce initiatives were developed based on attendee suggestions/requests, numerous green meeting websites and white papers, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Pollution Prevention Division and the Green Meeting Industry Council’s recommendations http://www.epa.gov/oppt/greenmeetings/index.htm.

Fact Sheet

AIHce 2009 continues its “Green Initiatives” in Toronto with the goal of producing a more environmentally friendly event that raises awareness, conserves resources, increases the flow of information and education, keeps attendee costs down, and provides sustainability and socially responsible policies based on:

attendee feedback and requests
support from PDC instructors and session presenters
the EPA and Green Meeting Industry Council’s Green Meetings/Conference Initiative
the EPA’s Green Meetings And Conference Rule of May 1, 2007, which requires consideration of environmental performance

Planned initiatives include:

1. PDCs

Green PDCs:
- The AIHce website identifies green PDCs under individual course listings.
- In advance of the conference, handouts will be distributed electronically in two formats:
  1. Color with a comment-enabled capability, and
  2. Black-and-white “printer-friendly.”
- Electricity will be available (not Internet) to accommodate laptop users.
Course materials produced for non-green PDCs will be printed on 50% recycled paper stock (30% post consumer) and on CD.
All PDC advance reading/prerequisites and references will be provided electronically.
Some PDCs will incorporate (pre- and post-) collaborative learning formats.

In 2008, over 50% of instructors opted to offer Green PDCs! Look for this distinctive logo to register for a Green PDC.

2. Paperless technology

AIHce’s website, the premiere resource for conference information and host of the complete advance program.
Electronic advertising, registration, confirmations, and abstract book will be offered.
Paperless PDC and Technical Session submission process was used.
Downloadable session and full conference recordings on compressed CDs will be made available.

3. NEW! E-Abstract Book

Registrants will receive an electronic abstract book prior to AIHce.

4. Recycling – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

Presenters/exhibitors will be encouraged to use recycled paper and to reuse handouts/giveaways.
Three-part receptacles (waste, can/bottle, paper) will be located throughout the center.
China and/or recyclable paper products will be used for all food and beverages.
Organically grown foods and minimal packaging will be used whenever possible.
Leftover food will be donated to local charities.
Distribution of water in bottles will be kept to a minimum.
Signs will be printed on recyclable materials or be reused in 2010.
Badge holders will be recycled.

5. Transportation

95% of the conference program will be located in the convention centre.
Registrants will be encouraged to walk to help minimize AIHce’s carbon footprint.

6. Expo

A section in the Expo will be the dedicated to a “Green Pavilion” for exhibitors who manufacture eco-friendly products or provide eco-friendly services.
An Interactive Green Building Display will explore green buildings, from blueprint to footprint.

7. Toronto Convention Centre

Recognized and honored as an outstanding "green facility,” the Toronto Convention Centre was a natural choice for AIHce. Having served as champion of environmentally conscious practices and events, the Centre’s top green initiatives include recycling, green electricity, green roofing, food bank donations, deep water cooling systems, and zero waste events.