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The SMP is made up of 20 program elements or “practices”. These practices are grouped into 5 core components:
• Paperless meeting planning
• Sustainable meeting services
• Sustainable F&B practices
• Impact Assessment Tools
• Socially conscious activities
The first core component is “paperless meeting planning”, which involves the use of current electronic sales tools as available to reduce the amount of paper generated throughout the meeting planning process. These tools include StarGroups, Reservation Connection, Reservation Cross Check, Online Floor plans and capacity charts, and eMenus.
The second core component is “sustainable meeting services”, which encompasses eight practices that address the use of more environmentally friendly products and offerings to replace current offerings that customers may opt for to reduce the impact of their meetings. The practices include using recycled content flip charts and paper products with a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled content; providing sustainable non-paper meeting supplies that are recycled, compostable or biodegradable; utilizing potted plants in place of fresh cut flowers or if that isn’t possible using a local, organic florist; providing recycling services in the meeting spaces; offering green printing services which means double-sided printing and recycling ink/toner cartridges; offering green transportation services such as access to public transportation or fuel-efficient vehicle options; and upon replacement of current signage, sourcing energy efficient digital LED or LCD signage. It’s important to note that the global brand teams were involved in the initiative planning so that items that overlap with current brand guidance are coordinated appropriately. For example, the use of potted plant displays in lieu of fresh flowers is being factored into the brand Botanical Style Guides.
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The second core component is “sustainable meeting services”, which encompasses eight practices that address the use of more environmentally friendly products and offerings to replace current offerings that customers may opt for to reduce the impact of their meetings. The practices include using recycled content flip charts and paper products with a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled content; providing sustainable non-paper meeting supplies that are recycled, compostable or biodegradable; utilizing potted plants in place of fresh cut flowers or if that isn’t possible using a local, organic florist; providing recycling services in the meeting spaces; offering green printing services which means double-sided printing and recycling ink/toner cartridges; offering green transportation services such as access to public transportation or fuel-efficient vehicle options; and upon replacement of current signage, sourcing energy efficient digital LED or LCD signage. It’s important to note that the global brand teams were involved in the initiative planning so that items that overlap with current brand guidance are coordinated appropriately. For example, the use of potted plant displays in lieu of fresh flowers is being factored into the brand Botanical Style Guides.
The third core component is “Sustainable F&B Practices”, which includes 8 practices designed to provide more environmentally friendly food and beverage options. The practices include providing sustainable menu options that include fair trade or organically certified products; utilizing environmentally sustainable disposable F&B packaging for box lunches; reducing the usage of individually-packaged condiments to reduce packaging waste; providing environmentally friendly alternatives for bottled water such as using an on-site water filtration system or sourcing glass or recycled content bottles; utilizing environmentally friendly chafing fuel to reduce toxins and hazardous waste; donating leftover prepared food to community-based food recovery programs where possible; and upon replacement, sourcing linenless meeting tables to reduce laundry needs. Item number 17 on this list, the composting of organic waste, is on hold as a division-wide practice because of the operational complexities that need to be worked through. There are many properties that are already utilizing composting practices, and the guidance is available on the SRC for those properties that are ready to research this option for early adoption.
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The fourth component is “Impact Assessment Tools.” The Meetings Impact Report is a unique initiative that will allow you to record meeting details in the SRC and generate a “report” for the meeting planner that provides the host group with information on the environmental and social impact of their meeting. It will include data on their energy and water consumption as well as additional information on how the choices they made benefit the environment. The Carbon Offset program is also still in development as we continue to look for the right partner. Some hotels may already have an offset partner that they are working with, and for those properties I ask that you please email me to let me know who you are partnering with as that will help us shape our direction as we develop this program across the division.
Finally, the fifth core component is “socially conscious activity”, and this component focuses specifically on providing assistance to meeting planners who would like to organize activities for their attendees that will benefit the local community. This is another initiative that properties can currently implement locally by connecting interested meeting planners with community organizations that can accommodate volunteer groups. We are working with several options for a division-wide partnership to support this practice.
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Sustainable Meeting Services
Recycled Content Paper Products
Every year over one billion trees are cut down to provide raw materials for American paper and pulp mills. Directing recyclable materials into production saves resources and energy, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and the need for disposal.
Sustainable Meeting Supplies (Non-Paper)
Meeting supplies require materials, energy, and water to manufacture and transport. After use, their disposal can cause pollution and take up space in landfills. Directing recyclable materials into production saves resources and energy, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and the need for disposal. Biodegradable/compostable supplies reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources and minimize pollution by reducing persistent waste volumes. Composted matter enriches the soil and reduces the need for water, fertilizer, and pesticides.
White Board / Recycled Content Paper Flip Charts
Every year over one billion trees are cut down to provide raw materials for American paper and pulp mills. Directing recyclable materials into production saves resources and energy, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and the need for disposal. Millions of pounds of white boards end up in landfills every year when they become unusable or worn. Waste deposited in landfills and incinerators directly and indirectly contributes to pollution and the depletion of natural resources.
Potted Plant Displays
Conventionally grown fresh cut flowers require the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and precious water resources for mass production. In addition, present global trends indicate flower industry workers (sometimes children) are denied basic rights, being forced to work long hours and handle dangerous chemicals without proper equipment, developing health problems as a result.
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Meeting Space Recycling
Waste deposited in landfills and incinerators directly and indirectly contributes to pollution and the depletion of natural resources. Landfill and incinerator processes contaminate soil, air and groundwater. Disposing of waste, rather than reusing or recycling it, accelerates the harvesting rate of new materials, a process that strains natural resource stocks and causes environmental effects associated with transportation and energy use. Recycling waste can reduce these environmental burdens and extend the life of existing landfills.
Green Printing Services
Every year over one billion trees are cut down to provide raw materials for American paper and pulp mills. Directing recyclable materials into production saves resources and energy, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and the need for disposal.
Green Transportation Services Information
Vehicle operation contributes to climate change and air quality problems through the emission of pollutants. In the United States, transportation has been responsible for more energy-related carbon dioxide emissions than any other end-use sector (e.g., industrial, residential, commercial) every year since 1999.[1] The United States produces more CO2 from road transport than any other country, though it is forecast to rise in all countries. Highly populous urbanizing countries such as China are expected to see dramatic growth in energy consumption for transportation. Besides CO2, vehicles emit pollutants that contribute to smog and ground-level ozone, both of which are human health hazards.
Energy-Efficient Digital Signage
Utilizing energy-efficient LCD or LED signage lowers energy consumption compared to traditional digital signage and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
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Impact assesment tools
Meeting Impact Report
Sustainable meetings comprise of practices which increase the environmental performance, social value and business impact of the meetings. Measurement is fundamental to the success of any sustainable meeting. Planners are demanding that properties not only host sustainable meetings but also measure the success of these meetings.
With the average 3-day meeting of 1,000 attendees producing over 12 tons of trash, 200,000 kilowatts of power and 100,000 gallons of water, it is becoming even more important to demonstrate how meetings are helping to reduce energy, emissions, output of waste and water consumption.
Emotionally, planners want to know how they have reduced their impact on the environment by conducting a sustainable meeting. They additionally tangibly demonstrate to their company the success of this meeting.
Key indicators to track the current environmental benefit of activities of sustainable meetings:
- Energy Savings
- Water Savings
- Waste Management, including reduction of waste sent to landfills through:
- recycling (glass, paper, plastic, metal) and Environmental Savings
- Composting
- Material Selection and Reuse
- Sustainable Food Choices
- Volunteer Programs Offered
Carbon Offset Program
A carbon offset is a financial instrument representing a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Offsets are typically generated from emissions-reducing projects. The most common project type is renewable energy, such as wind farms, biomass energy, or hydroelectric dams. Other common project types include energy efficiency projects, the destruction of industrial pollutants or agricultural byproducts, destruction of landfill methane, and forestry projects. (Wikipedia)
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