HB2009: Greening the Conference
Minimizing the Environmental Impact of HB2009
The Syracuse Center of Excellence is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of the Ninth International Healthy Buildings Conference and Exhibition. Attendees will find this commitment demonstrated through multiple and varied efforts to “green” Healthy Buildings 2009:
- Decreasing the amount of solid waste produced by the event
- Maximizing attendees’ opportunities to recycle and reuse
- Reducing energy and water consumption at the event
- Minimizing or off-setting harmful emissions resulting from vehicular transportation and energy consumption associated with the event
- Disposing of solid and liquid waste in an environmentally responsible manner
- Eliminating the use of harmful chemicals at or for the event
Some examples of SyracuseCoE's efforts to ensure that HB2009 is as sustainable as possible include:
- Using recycled and sustainable material for printed materials and signage as well as volunteer T-shirts and other conference promotional items
- Purchasing neck wallets for attendees that are custom-made in the United States and made from 100% recycled materials
- Encouraging exhibitors to limit number of “give-aways” they bring to the exhibition
- Staffing sustainability assistants to make sure all waste is disposed of properly
Oncenter: Buying Local and More
SyracuseCoE has also partnered with the Oncenter Complex and Convention Center to ensure that:
- Locally grown produce will be used to the maximum extent possible
- Cloth linens will be used instead of paper, as well as china, glassware, and silverware
- Containers, napkins and service ware made with recycled-content and/or recyclable materials will be used for boxed lunches
- Bulk sugar, creamers, and condiments will be offered in reusable dishes rather than individual packets
- Drinking water will be made available in pitchers or large reusable containers instead of small plastic bottles
- All surplus food that has not left the kitchen will be donated to the Second Helpings program, offered by the Food Bank of Central New York
- Recycling containers will be made readily available throughout the venue
On Site Composting
Food waste will be composted on site.
Hotels and Community Share Commitment
HB2009 conference hotels have committed to implement the following policies:
- Recycling programs will be in place and staff will be fully trained to implement them.
- Recycling containers will be placed strategically throughout the hotels.
- Towel and sheet reuse programs will be in place and clearly advertised to guests.
- Environmentally friendly cleaning products will be used to the greatest extent possible.
- Energy-conservation policies will be in place, practiced and supported by hotel staff.
SyracuseCoE is proud to work with vendors and service providers, as well as the communities of Syracuse and Onondaga County, who share their commitment to sustainable environmental practices.
We look forward to measuring the results of our efforts to reduce our environmental impact, and we invite you to share your own green experiences at HB2009 by contacting us at info@hb2009.org.
