Meeting News - November 10, 2008 - (Page S14)

SOUTH REGIONAL continued from page S13 But new convention centers aren’t the only meetings venues embracing environmental trends. Existing southern facilities are embracing sustainability, retrofitting green features when it’s physically and financially feasible and implementing green programs when it isn’t. When the Classic Center in Athens, GA, for instance, installed new carpeting this year in its 27,000-sf Grand Hall North convention and trade show area, it selected a vendor known for its low carbon footprint. The 80,000-sf building installed recycling bins in both its back office and public areas, and plans to put more bins on its exterior grounds next year. “We are considering three more green areas for next year, including food composting, improved storm water management, and experiential green roofs,” said Philip Verrastro, assistant executive director at the Classic Center. “Also, we hope to expand our exhibit space within the next three to five years from its current 30,000 sf to closer to 50,000 or 60,000 sf. If we are able to expand, which is contingent on the passage of a public referendum in 2010, we fully plan to obtain LEED certification for the addition.” [The Classic will only pursue LEED certification for the expansion, as the certification for existing buildings is more difficult and expensive to get than the certification for new construction.] Like the Classic Center, the 280,000-sf Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC, has committed itself to making slow but certain green improvements—despite the fact that it is almost 15 years old. A full-scale green renovation would be cost-prohibitive, so instead the convention center has embraced dozens of everyday eco-initiatives. Its in-house catering staff, for example, recycles all cooking oil, buys food locally, and uses biodegradable cups, post consumer recycled paper napkins, and recyclable paper boxes for box lunches. Its custodians, meanwhile, use 50 percent environmentally safe cleaners, while its office staff regularly recycles toner cartridges and batteries. “These procedures all add up and make a big impact at the end of the day,” said Molly Hedrick, senior director of communications for the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. “We know that 67 percent of meeting planners keep green initiatives in mind when choosing a destination. With the industry being a major waste contributor, a big trend has turned towards taking a close look at these large facilities’ initiatives.” I www.meetingnews.com S14 MeetingNews November 10, 2008 http://islandvista.com http://www.landmarkresort.com http://www.ripleysaquarium.com http://www.ripleysaquarium.com http://visitmyrtlebeach.com http://visitmyrtlebeach.com http://www.meetingnews.com

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Meeting News - November 10, 2008

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