Greening the Summit


Green Technology has established a number of guidelines to reduce the environmental impact of the Green California Summit and Exposition. We are excited to be partnering with the City of Sacramento, the Sacramento Convention Center and Classique Catering to develop and pilot strategies that can become a part of every event held at the Convention Center. The steps we have taken include:


REDUCING ENERGY CONSUMPTION The Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau has partnered with SMUD (the Sacramento Municipal Utility District) to supply “green power” for the Convention Center. Because the energy used at the convention center includes power from renewable sources, it has earned a “Green-e” certification from the Center for Resource Solutions.


The Convention Center has taken these additional steps:


» Installed sensory light switches throughout administration offices, storage rooms, base-ment and restrooms.


» Installed more efficient light bulbs throughout the complex for an annual savings of 77,306 kilowatts per year.


» Installed new water valves and controllers to reduce energy consumption.


In addition, Green Technology will take these actions to reduce consumption and increase efficiency:


» Lights, heat and air will be turned down while preparing the exhibition floor.


» Air conditioning and heat will be turned down until 45 minutes before events start. » Energy Star appliances will be used whenever possible to increase efficiency.


MINIMIZING SOLID WASTE A number of strategies are being employed to minimize our solid waste:


» Recycle Bin sponsor Sacramento County is provid-


ing bins for paper, plastic, glass and food waste for use during the entire Summit. » Organic waste from the conference will be transported to the county’s anaerobic digester biorefinery.


» Packing supplies, such as boxes and bubble wrap will be reused whenever possible.


» Paperless technology and two-sided printing will be used wherever possible.


Green Technology is also:


» Partnering with the City of Sacramento to recycle and dispose of wood pallets, metals, light bulbs and batteries.


» Notifying exhibitors ahead of time about what we are doing to green this event, preparing them to assist us in this effort.


» Making announcements about the recycling of badges and lanyards to attendees and exhibitors throughout the day. There will be several recep- tacles to collect them.


MANAGING TRANSPORTATION The following steps are being taken to reduce the impacts of shipping goods and moving people:


» Trucks will be discouraged from idling while load- ing and unloading.


» As feasible, agencies are providing shuttle service to the convention center.


PLANNING FOOD PREPARATION Along with properly training the kitchen staff on appropriate practices, Green Technology has cre- ated the following guidelines for food preparation: » Local, in-season food items will be used whenever possible to cut down on transportation. » Leftover food will be donated to local charities. » Oil and grease from cooking will be recycled ap- propriately.


» Serving containers, utensils and water bottles will be recyclable and/or compostable wherever possible.


SELECTING MATERIAL INPUTS The following guidelines are in place in choosing and using our material inputs:


» Reusable materials will be used for display and booth decoration.


» Banners and signs will be printed on recycled material.


» Printing will be done on recycled paper, using vegetable-based ink.


» Summit bags are made from recycled material and are reusable.


» Badge holders are recyclable and biodegradable.


In addition, Classique Catering, the Sacramento Convention Center’s onsite caterer, takes these earth-friendly actions:


» Prepares all food from scratch avoiding, whenever possible, energy consuming, pre-pro¬cessed and heavily packaged food products.


» Donates unused food to local homeless shelters and pre-approved food banks.


» Eliminates bottled water (except for the conces- sion stands) by providing strategically placed water dispensers and recyclable cups throughout the facility as well as pitchers of water and recyclable cups for all speakers in the education program sessions.


CLEANING UP CORRECTLY


The following guidelines are designed to minimize the environmental impacts of cleaning up: » Cleaning supplies will be non-toxic, biodegradable and consumer friendly.


» Trash bags in food service and recycling areas will be completely compostable.


» Toilet paper and towels will be made from 100% post-consumer recycled material.


» Walkways and driveways will be swept, rather than water-sprayed.


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www.green-technology.org


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