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OUR CLIENTS

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Green Initiatives

In times of environmental turmoil we take initiative to apply real solutions. Large events can create a substantial amount of waste, but by applying small measures, we can go a long way to reduce our environmental impact. We maintain an extensive Green Policies & Procedures manual that will give you plenty of ideas for reducing the environmental impact of your event. onCue also practices green initiatives in-house through our recycling program, print reduction and energy efficient practices.

Waste Management

  • List all the wastes generated by the conference, and think of what can be done to avoid sending them to the landfill.


Venue
Energy Efficiency

  • Lighting – is energy efficient lighting installed (compact fluorescent lamps, LEDS) and are light sensors, movement sensors and timer switches installed at the venue
  • Appliances – are energy efficient appliances provided at the venue (projectors, laptops, photocopiers, hot water zips, fridges/freezers, dishwashers, sound systems etc)

HVAC

  • Is the heating/ventilation/air conditioning efficient and well maintained

Waste & Recycling Facilities

  • Are there systems to separate and collect recyclable waste streams such as paper, brochures, plastic 1&2, glass, and organic waste at the venue
  • Set up recycling stations to include clearly marked and labelled bins


Caterer
There are several areas we consider when contracting caterers for a conference.
Composting & Recycling

  • Waste Minimisation and management is probably the most important and easiest to deal with.
  • This involves ensuring that systems are in place to separate and collect organic waste for composting, and also ensuring that recyclable waste streams are separated and sent for recycling.
  • Having effective recycling in place avoids sending waste to landfill that can otherwise be recycled

Local Suppliers

  • Is the caterer a local company and do they select produce/supplies from local businesses whenever practical and possible?
  • The use of local suppliers has several benefits including supporting the local economy and reduced transportation of goods (and reduced greenhouse gas emissions)

Organic Produce

  • There is growing awareness that organic produce has less impact on land, air and water quality as a result of fewer/no chemicals and less fossil fuel involved in production.
  • There is also growing evidence of health benefits associated with organic produce
  • Does the caterer offer organic and locally produced options?


Suppliers

  • Are our supplier’s products (e.g. cleaning chemicals, brochures, office paper) environmentally certified (ISO 14001, Qualmark, Green Tick, Environmental Choice)? Select certified goods and services, where available.
  • Where are they based? i.e. how far has the product travelled?
  • We use publishers that offer green options for publishing promotional materials (e.g. vegetable-based inks printed on recycled paper) – Printhouse in Nelson!


Delegates
Electronic information

Delegate packs

  • Can the contents be used again?
  • Are they recyclable?
  • Where were they made?
  • Support local businesses

Accommodation

  • Is it within walking distance of the venue?
  • If not, is transportation efficient?

General

  • Are there opportunities to include some conservation/community work in the conference programme?
  • Supply delegates with reusable and returnable products (such as plastic conference pouches)
  • Include NZ eco-wise travel guide in delegate pack/brochure


Travel
Certified carbon offsetting e.g. CarboNZero
Simple offsetting calculators like CarboNZero & Catalyst ACE

www.carbonzero.co.nz
http://www.catalystnz.co.nz/carbon_calculator.aspx

It is important to remember that offsetting carbon emissions should only take place after efforts have been made to:

  • Identifygreenhouse gas or carbon equivalent emissions
  • Manage and Minimise emissions