Environmental concerns became part of America’s consciousness as early as 1970, marked by the first Earth Day.  But after that early exuberance, interest and commitment waned.

Today, eco-awareness has returned with a vengeance -- partly due to the recent fluctuations in petroleum prices and a public focus on climate change.  Personal commitments to conserve resources have led to pressure on businesses across the board to show their environmental allegiance.

Companies and institutions are feeling the heat, both internally and externally. Corporate and public leaders want high sustainability marks. Consumer are starting to look for assurances that they are patronizing a “green” establishment and purchasing sustainable products.

A critical initiative within the hospitality industry involves “Green Meetings,” an effort to reduce the amount of resources -- energy, water, food, paper products -- consumed during events and conventions. Many meeting planners and organizations are including RFPs clauses that ensure a supplier’s commitment to “going green” before booking an event. You can see a sample clause here.

Here is a best practices to help align your company with the Green Meetings initiative.

Economic Benefits with Environmental Savings
The Convention Industry Council (CIC), a professional organization founded in 1949, took an active role in developing the first guidelines for Green Meetings.

Their 2004 “Green Meetings Report,” still widely circulated today, points out the economic benefits as well as the environmental savings of resource-saving measures. Their example:  A five-day event for 2,200 people using china instead of plastic disposables saves 1,890 lbs. of plastic from going into a landfill; recycling badge holders saves $975.

Specific guidelines for various event suppliers -- from visitors’ bureaus, to hotels, cruise ships and F&B suppliers -- are regarded as fundamental in the field.  You can get a copy of this industry classic by visiting the CIC website.