Greening the Conference
Each year, the Labs21 conference cosponsors, EPA, DOE, and I2SL,
strive to make the Labs21 Annual Conference as green as possible to “walk
the talk” of sustainability. We take this into account when searching
for host cities, convention centers, hotels, and vendors, and select facilities
and companies that share out commitment to sustainability. The following
are some of the ways in which we helped reduce the environmental impact
of this year's event.
Energy Reduction
- Between 2003 and 2009, Labs21 purchased 366,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh)
of renewable energy credits to offset carbon emissions resulting from
the previous Labs21 Annual Conferences. This year, Labs21 acquired
70,000 kWh for an eight-year total of 436,000 kWh. This total is equivalent
to the carbon dioxide emissions from
more than 35,000 gallons of gasoline consumed! The 2010 renewable energy
credits (RECs) are from the Champion Wind Farm in Nolan County, Texas,
and were supplied by Element
Markets.
- The conference event site, the Albuquerque
Convention Center, improves its energy efficiency by using an energy-smart
HVAC system; compact fluorescent light bulbs; and turning off lights,
air, heat, and escalators in unoccupied areas. In addition, a solar
reflective roof coating reduces heat load during the warmer months of
the year.
- The official conference host hotel, the Hyatt
Regency Albuquerque, improves its energy efficiency by using compact
fluorescent bulbs, monitoring light usage in offices, and using an energy-efficient
ozone laundry system.
Sustainable Meals
- Conference meals at the Albuquerque Convention Center were served
using reusable china/silverware or biodegradable/recyclable disposable
food and beverage containers whenever possible, prepared using organic
food products from local farmers and producers as much as possible,
and served with condiments bought in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
Leftover kitchen grease was recycled at both the host hotel and the
Albuquerque Convention Center.
- Attendees had access to water dispensing systems at both the host
hotel and the Albuquerque Convention Center during the conference to
minimize disposable water bottle use.
Waste Reduction
- Recycling bins were provided throughout the conference. The Albuquerque
Convention Center was recently awarded the 2010 Hospitality Recycling
Program of the Year by New Mexico Recycling Coalition, recognizing the
Convention Center's outstanding work to promote recycling and composting.
- The Technology and Services Fair utilized a range of waste-reducing
techniques, including:
- Carpet made from postconsumer recycled material.
- Biodegradable trash bags and wastebaskets made from 100 percent
recycled materials.
- Recycled paper for signage.
- The conference was as paperless as possible:
- Prior to the conference, the agenda and speaker abstracts were posted
to the I2SL website instead of being distributed in hard
copy format. Additionally, attendees received a copy of the attendee
list via e-mail instead of receiving a printed copy on site.
- During the conference, hard copy handouts were limited to only necessary
items, such as the conference program.
- After the conference, speakers' presentations were posted
to the I2SL website, and an evaluation was distributed
electronically to attendees.
- Albuquerque Convention Center restrooms use coreless paper products.
- All Albuquerque Convention Center general service contractors are
required to recycle wood pallets, cardboard, and paper.
Water Conservation
- Attendees conserved water during the conference by using infrared
water faucets and aerators and low-flow toilets in restrooms at both
the Albuquerque Convention Center and host hotel, and low-flow showerheads
in guestrooms at the host hotel.
Transportation
- The City of Albuquerque encourages all residents of Albuquerque and
its visitors to use alternative modes of transportation, including riding
the bus, carpooling, vanpooling, bicycling, and walking.
- The Albuquerque Convention Center is within walking distance of
theatres, art galleries, museums, a range of restaurants, and historic
U.S. Route 66. Take advantage of this lively downtown by foot and
leave rental cars parked at the airport.
- Plan your outings in Albuquerque through an
interactive map of downtown. If you want to save your feet, the
D-Ride buses take you on a free loop route around downtown.
- Explore more of the city by using the Albuquerque bus system, including
popular, efficient, Rapid
Ride routes, one of which features complimentary wireless internet
with your fare. The Rapid Ride buses utilize diesel electric hybrid
engines.
- Take the New
Mexico Rail Runner Express light rail to the state's capital,
Santa Fe, which is located just 60 miles from Albuquerque.
What You Can Do to Make the Conference
Greener
- Reuse your hotel linens and take quick showers to minimize water
use.
- Turn off any lights, TVs, or computers in your hotel room when not
in use.
- Be sure to reuse your water bottles and drink from the water stations
instead of using disposable plastic bottles. You can bring your own
water bottle and/or coffee mug from home, which will reduce waste on
site.
- Turn in your name tag for reuse at next year’s conference.
- Whenever possible, walk or carpool around town.
- Return any unused handouts to vendors or conference organizers to
reuse or recycle.
Easy Ways to Reduce Your Travel
Emissions
You too can be a part of Labs21's effort to reduce its environmental
impact! Check out the innovative programs listed below that offer great
ways to reduce your CO2 emissions for every day life.
NativeEnergy
NativeEnergy uses the money donated to its program to help finance and
support renewable energy projects such as wind farms and dairy farm methane
digesters. Simply calculate your carbon footprint using an online calculator
and pay your way to a better, cleaner environment.
Explore the NativeEnergy
website for more information.
TerraPass
TerraPass's online calculator will determine your car's approximate
CO2 emissions. Based on that number, you can buy a TerraPass
that ranges in price from $40 to $80. This money is used to support environmental
initiatives that reduce industrial CO2 emissions.
See the TerraPass
website for more information.
TravelCool!
Better World Travel had developed a creative way to offset airplane CO2
emissions—through the TravelCool! carbon offset program. Through
TravelCool!, travelers that book a flight through Better World Travel
receive a carbon offset. Travelers can also book their travel separately
and send in a donation to offset their flight. The funds generated by
Better World Travel are used to support many different projects aimed
at reducing carbon emissions.
Search the Better
World Club website for more information.
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