Summary of WasteExpo’s 2009 Green initiatives |
| • |
Utilization of Paperless Technology:
|
| • |
Exhibitor Manual on CD-rom with hard copies available for those who really want them
|
| • |
Greater utilization of the WasteExpo website to post important communications, documents, etc
|
| • |
Sending electronic surveys rather than paper-based research to garner customer feedback
|
| • |
Development of marketing communications, onsite signage, etc via online technology
|
| • |
Greater utilization of online floorplans rather than paper-based
|
| • |
GES working towards more online ordering functionality
|
| • |
Greater reliance on email marketing, online registration, email exhibitor communication bulletins, etc – thereby cutting down on printed materials and waste
|
| • |
Providing exhibitors with PDFs of VIP passes for distribution to customers/prospects
|
| • |
Hotel room blocks – mindful of transportation routes to consolidate as best able; greater utilization of public transportation when convenient and cost effective (i.e. Monorail system in Las Vegas)
|
| • |
Urge Convention Centers and Hotels to provide for recycling bins as well as trash bins
|
| • |
Develop relationships with vendor companies who share our same environmental commitment
|
| • |
WasteExpo will support Convention Center and hotel efforts to conserve energy, water, etc
|
| • |
WasteExpo will re-purpose as many signs, banners, etc from year to year
|
GES initiatives: |
| • |
Recycling programs – paper, cardboard, aluminum, wood, plastic, plexi-glass, ink cartridges
|
| • |
Use of natural gas to power indoor vehicles – forklifts, boomlifts, etc
|
| • |
Use Energy Star approved T8 lighting in entrance units, light boxes, registration counters, booth displays
|
| • |
Biodegradable trash can liners and wastebaskets made from 100% recycled materials
|
| • |
Use water-based inks in all ID signs printers
|
| • |
Recycle signage substrates using it for packing and shipping materials
|
| • |
Vinyl table covers for 4’, 6’ and 8’ tables – the vinyl is 100% recyclable as is the corrugated packaging they come in
|
| • |
Use wood-based “Fribrex” product for panel inserts
|
| • |
Table risers made from 100% recycled materials
|
| • |
Cleaning supplies – biodegradable and non-toxic (including mobile wash)
|
| • |
Carpet programs –
|
| |
o |
Aisle carpet will be cleaned and re-used until it shows wear
|
| |
o |
When can no longer be re-used, re-cycled for other uses i.e. covering dollies, lining crates and manufactured into flooring by 3rd parties
|
| |
o |
Echo aisle carpet that is 100% recyclable and made from 25% post industrial recycled content
|
| |
o |
Carpet padding – uses padding made from 100% recycling synthetic fibers; used from show to show and then recycled
|
Las Vegas Convention Center initiatives |
| • |
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is a member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WasteWise Program, in which one of the objectives includes diverting recyclable materials from our landfills along with various other sustainable practices.
|
| • |
With our customers and community in mind, a partnership with our local waste management company, Republic Services, has been initiated to reduce the amount of recyclable materials, such as cardboard, paper, carpet padding and plastic from going into landfills. Republic Services removes all waste, including recyclables, from the campus and sorts the recyclables at their facility. This allows shows to operate without disruption from the sorting process, making it more convenient to everyone.
|
| • |
The LVCVA is currently averaging a 50% recycle rate for all of our shows. For example, one of our larger shows with an attendance of approximately 130,000 produced 240 tons of solid waste.
|
| • |
Through our recycling efforts we were able to remove 41 tons cardboard (17%), 33 tons carpet padding (14%), 24 tons plastic (10%), 10 tons mix paper (4%), 7 tons various metals (3%), and 5 tons wood (2%).
|
| • |
Aggressive greening and conservation efforts throughout the LVCVA also include:
|
| |
o |
Environmentally-friendly products have replaced over 20,000 gallons of chemicals
|
| |
o |
Paper towels, toilet paper, and other paper products contain recycled materials
|
| |
o |
90% of LVCVA fleet is powered by propane or battery
|
| |
o |
Office paper recycling program is in place
|
| |
o |
Recycling of engine oil, antifreeze, paint thinner, tires, and various metals as well as recapturing Freon from our air conditioning units
|
| |
o |
Crusher and hazardous materials containment drum for all florescent lamps
|
| |
o |
Power Monitoring System tracks electrical power usage to identify areas for improved efficiency
|
| |
o |
Water conservation devices have been installed on urinals, toilets and faucets
|
| |
o |
Optimizing electronic communication to decrease dependence on paper communication methods
|
| |
o |
Much planning and effort is needed to ensure we contribute to a sustainable community and environment. Sustainable practices within our building will achieve a long-term human and ecosystem balance with positive impacts on the local and global environment by reducing use of resources, emissions, water and waste disposal.
|
| |
o |
As our building continues its growth, we anticipate an increased need for energy and other natural resources; therefore, exploring options that will address these growing needs for the future are ongoing. Our goal is to continue our proactive approach on all aspects of greening so that we can provide our customers and communities a sustainable future.
|
| |
|
|