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 Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue is located within walking distance of all major hotels and on main transportation routes; one block 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 Centre's design features were incorporated in the reconstruction to allow for optimal use of natural daylight, and limit energy use for artificial lighting. An energy-efficient displacement ventilation system means the supply air requires significantly less cooling. Lighting is 50% fluorescent, and all building lights are turned off when not in use.
Getting the word out.
Client communications, including newsletters, are primarily handled electronically. Post-consumer recycled paper is used for all printed promotional collateral, at the business centre, and for internal and client requirements. Event staff gather unused conference material (including pens and writing pads) for future re-use.
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. Cleaning staff use products that are environmentally friendly, pH neutral, bio-degradable and non-toxic to human and aquatic life. Fresh tap water is provided in jugs in all meeting rooms. All food service is on china or glass, including serving dishes. Kitchen food waste is recycled locally. Kitchen grease is converted to bio-diesel. Food is purchased locally when in season. An OceanWise menu program is in place.
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
- consider using electronic (LCD) signage instead of foam core manufactured branding signs
- 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
