Environmentally friendly actions that BIO, the Convention Center and Montreal are implementing.
© Tourisme Montréal, Stéphan Poulin
The Industrial & Environmental Section of BIO is proud to announce the continuation of efforts to produce "greener" conferences. We are excited to have chosen a venue that not only supports our environmental interests, but has been recognized for many of their own exciting initiatives. Below we have listed the measures incorporated into the 2009 World Congress. Our mission is to continue and expand these efforts at our future meetings. We welcome any feedback and ideas you would like to contribute as we move forward in this endeavor.
Industrial & Environmental Section Conference Marketing & Printing
- Concerted efforts have been made to utilize email marketing whenever possible to reduce waste.
- Soy-based ink was used for all printed material.
- Heavy content recycled paper was used both in marketing material and in the program you're holding.
The Palais des congrès de Montréal: "Every action counts."
The Palais des congrès de Montréal has been green for some time. In 2002 new energy efficiency measures were built into the facilities. In 2005, it was among the first convention centres in Canada to be BOMA BESt certified, in recognition of exceptional environmental management efforts.
Recycling bins stationed throughout the facilities for your convenience. They will help you do your part for the environment and support the Palais' motto, "every action counts." The Palais is doing its part in numerous ways: from buying green housekeeping products to introducing various green initiatives for the Montréal community.
Today, the Palais' commitment continues unabated as it relentlessly continues to incorporate sustainable development measures in its management process.
Playing a major role in geotourism and in the community
The Palais understands the special role it plays in the community and is doing its part to change the course of events. It is an active member of the Green Committee set up by the Montréal tourism industry and firmly believes in the benefits of geotourism, i.e. promoting Montréal as green while continuing to curb the environmental footprint of the city's tourism activities. Not surprisingly, Montréal is the world's first major city to sign the National Geographic Society's Geotourism Charter.
Other examples of how deeply the Palais values its social responsibility include its ongoing work with its partners to introduce a variety of initiatives for the Montréal community, such as a goodwill program promoting the reuse by community organizations of items and materials unused during events, requiring employees to perform community work for one day, and also donating untouched surplus food to homeless shelters.
Widely Recognized Green Facilities
Known as an environmental performance leader, the Palais has adopted practices affecting water use, recycling, hazardous waste, ozone depleting substances, as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning maintenance. In addition, the procurement policy respecting housekeeping products is green-first, which means priority is given to eco-friendly and biodegradable products.
- 2005: BOMA Québec BESt certification
- 2006: Énergia award (recommissioning category) from the AQME Québec association for power management
- 2008: Membership in the Hydro-Québec Energy Savers' Circle, which groups together large corporations recognized for their leadership and outstanding performance in the field of energy efficiency