Green Meetings
Simon Fraser University Vancouver is committed to environmental sustainability. Our departments, management and staff continually monitor and improve our sustainable practices as well as those of our suppliers, in order to provide an optimal environment for green meetings in our facilities.
Going green? Consider public transit.
The Segal Graduate School of Business is located within walking distance of all major hotels and on main transportation routes; three blocks from the SeaBus, SkyTrain and West Coast Express station. The Canada Line, which will have its terminus 1 block away, provides direct access to the airport.
Sustainable by design.
Housed within the walls of a restored heritage building, many of the Segal building's design features were incorporated in the reconstruction to allow for optimal use of natural daylight, and limit energy use for artificial lighting. The mechanical systems are desgined to operate with very low energy use. Rooms and zones inside the building are equipped with air valves that close off the air supply if the room is not occupied, to save fan energy.
Getting the word out.
Client communications, including newsletters, are primarily handled electronically. Post-consumer recycled paper is used for all printed promotional collateral.
Thinking about the future.
A recycling program of all technological equipment in all SFU Vancouver buildings is in place via the University’s Facility Management Central Receiving Department. All paper is re-used or re-cycled. Janitorial cleaning products used in the buildings are environmentally friendly, pH neutral, bio-degradable and non-toxic to human and aquatic life. Food products are purchased locally in BC whenever possible, and food service is on optional china service or on biodegradable/compostable products. Unconsumed food, where possible, is donated to local charities.
Greening your meeting.
Using the recommendations of organizations such as the Green Meeting Industry Council, IACC (International Association of Conference Centres) and Environment Canada's Green Meetings guide, we have identified several areas where we are working towards a sustainable future in the meetings industry. To assist us in lessening the impact on our environment, please consider these simple steps towards greening your meeting:
- provide online registration rather than paper
- correspond with your delegates via email
- use USB sticks for conference materials
- when printed materials are necessary, always use double sided copies on recycled paper
- suggest using Vancouver's naturally clean fresh water as opposed to bottled water
- turn off all electronics and lights when not in use
- recycle name tags and all conference materials
- inform your delegates before they come as to what the sustainability goal is for your event
Please refer to Canada's Green Meetings guide for further suggestions on what to look for in a meetings venue, and how to green your event. www.greeninggovernment.gc.ca
