A presentation on sustainability within the Canadian meetings industry, including an overview of the strategic approach undertaken by the Canadian Tourism Commission, followed by an in depth look at two examples of good practice from Tourism Vancouver and Travel Alberta.
2. Andrew Walker, BComm, MES
Born and raised in Toronto, Canada
Bachelor of Commerce
• Hospitality and Tourism Management
Since 2005, specialised in sales & marketing, project
management and on-site logistics in Canada and US
Master in Environmental Studies
• Sustainable Meeting and Event Management
Relocated to London, United Kingdom in 2010
Established E3 Strategy Limited to provide sustainability
research, training and support for business events
3. Today’s Agenda
Sustainability in Action: CANADA
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4.
5. CTC Green Workplace
Strategy
Goal: to improve the efficiency and
sustainability of the CTC’s corporate
operations
Rationale:
•CTC is Canada’s national tourism
marketing organization and plays
significant role representing Canada
abroad
•Increasing emphasis on climate
change and sustainable tourism
•CTC can lead by example by
developing and implementing a
corporate sustainability strategy and
positively influence the sustainability
practices of other organizations
6. Benefits of the CTC Green Workplace Strategy
1. Reduce usage of energy and resources
2. Reducing waste
3. Reducing operational costs in the medium to
long-term
4. Increasing overall efficiency
A shift to a culture of sustainability will also lead to
increased productivity, higher employee retention
and lower recruiting costs
7. Methodology of the CTC Green Workplace Strategy
• Engaged third-party to perform baseline eco-
audits to determine environmental footprint
• Four keys areas:
1. Energy
2. Waste
3. Travel
4. Procurement
8. Recommendations
Waste
•Encourage staff to use
less and recycle more
•Educate staff
•Continue to work with
the Bentall Go Green
Tenant Action Committee
Energy
•Eliminate ‘stand by’ power
usage
•Use the most efficient
lighting available
•Install occupancy sensors
for lighting management in
offices and meeting rooms
•Decommission 1/3 of
current fluorescent lights
9. Recommendations
Travel
•Explore purchasing and
implementing a CTC-wide
videoconferencing system
•Encourage employees to
reduce business travel by
an average 12%
•Encourage sustainable
behaviour on the road
• Introduce a CTC-
sponsored incentive
program for employee
commuting
• Implement universal
telework and flexible
work arrangements for
CTC staff
13. Vancouver - Spectacular by Nature
Tourism Vancouver hears it all the time from our visitors: "It's so beautiful and green here!" But in Vancouver, green is more than just a
flattering colour. It's a steadfast commitment to sustainability.
We can already claim the smallest carbon footprint of any major North American city. And we're a recognized leader in green building and
sustainable planning. Vancouver is rated 2nd in the US and Canada Green City Index. Commissioned by Siemens, the Green City Index was
conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2011. This unique research project assessed and compared cities in terms of their
environmental performance. But there's more we can do and we're up to the task: by 2020, Vancouver has an action plan to be the
greenest city in the world
14. ACTIONS
Hired an energy specialist in partnership with BC
Hydro with the mandate to guide member
hotels, restaurants and attractions in energy
efficiency and conservation initiatives
Recently, Tourism Vancouver’s appointment of a tourism energy specialist is believed to be a worldwide first among destination marketing
organizations. The role was made possible through sponsorship from BC Hydro with the mandate to guide member hotels, restaurants and
attractions in energy efficiency and conservation initiatives.
15. ACTIONS
Assist members by identifying projects and
strategies that will manage their energy
consumption and realize financial savings
Since 2008, Tourism Vancouver has partnered with BC Hydro to promote energy efficiency and energy conservation within Vancouver’s
tourism industry. The goal of this partnership is to reduce consumption and advance Vancouver as the leading sustainable tourism
destination.
17. WHY
Vancouver the Greenest City by 2020 10 key targets
1. Green economy
2. Climate leadership
3. Green buildings
4. Green transportation
5. Zero waste
6. Access to nature
7. Lighter footprint
8. Clean water
9. Clean air
10. Local food
18. HOW
Tourism Vancouver Sustainable Tourism Initiatives
1. Hired an energy specialist
2. Strive for zero waste
3. Go Green commuting subsidy
4. Teleworking and video
conferencing
5. Use double-sided printing
6. Compiled a Conservation
Library
7. Created Ambassadors for
Conservation Award
19. CONSERVATION PLEDGE:
•A true conservation ethic and commitment to
sustainability
•A commitment to reserve time throughout
the year to ensure an ongoing and valuable
contribution to the initiative.
•A willingness to be profiled as an advocate
for sustainable tourism and share my
experiences
•An eagerness to promote sustainable tourism
at relevant events, meetings, social
gatherings, and social media sites
•A conservation pledge to reduce energy
consumption, cut back on carbon emissions,
and/or use resources in a sustainable manner
HOW
Ambassadors for Conservation
20. Hosting Industry Events
• Spectacular by Nature is a
core element of what sets
Vancouver apart and
sustainable management of
our impact on the natural
environment is valued
highly.
• By managing the growth in
energy demand we can
offset the need for new
sources of supply, which
invariably have a much
higher impact and cost than
conservation.
BENEFITS
21. Hosting Industry Events
From the arrival at the airport to the day of departure, there is a
comprehensive strategy shared by the industry and local
government to make Vancouver the most sustainable destination
POSITIVE EFFECT ON DELEGATES
24. ACTIONS
Green initiatives:
•Calgary TELUS
Convention Centre BOMA
Go Green Certification
•40+ Hotels have Green
Key Designations
•MICE venues with
sustainability initiatives
include Calgary Zoo,
Stampede Park and Telus
World of Science
25. WHY
• To uphold and enhance Calgary’s
status as a green destination
• Ranked the top (1st
) Eco-City
Worldwide in 2010
26. HOW • In 2008, City of Calgary
launched 10 year
strategic vision
• Aggressive plan calls for
Calgary to become global
centre for energy
• Sustainable and
Renewable Energy (SURE)
industry group created to
help achieve this goal,
covers wind energy,
solar, biofuel, hydro, as
well as environmental
technologies and waste
management
27. BENEFITS
• Commitment to sustainability can help
Calgary distinguish itself from other cities
• Support companies to uphold their own
sustainability goals when planning
meetings in Calgary
The meetings and conventions industry in Calgary has aligned itself with this strategic vision through the
initiatives above.
Calgary’s status as a Green Meeting destination
When sustainability is a fundamental criteria for selecting a meeting destination, having this status allows
Calgary to distinguish itself from other Cities. This also allows companies wishing to maintain their own
sustainability credentials when planning meetings, to select green venues and suppliers in Calgary.
28. POSITIVE EFFECT ON ATTENDEES
Attendees are
confident in the
knowledge that
the environmental
impact of the
meeting they are
attending has
been minimised
29. NATURE ON THE DOORSTEP
The best meetings happen outside the boardroom!
In Addition to Calgary attendees also have the knowledge that there are green and sustainable venues all
over Alberta. Within an hour of Calgary you can be the Banff National Park enjoying nature in a pristine
wilderness.
Reminder: The Best meetings happen outside the boardroom! (Remember to breathe)
My Presentation: Sustainability in Action: Canada A presentation on sustainability within the Canadian meetings industry, including an overview of the strategic approach undertaken by the Canadian Tourism Commission, followed by an in depth look at two examples of good practice from Tourism Vancouver and Travel Alberta.
After graduating university, I decided to relocate to Canada’s west coast, to the province of British Columbia…
Where Vancouver is located, alongside the Pacific Ocean.
It really is an amazingly beautiful city. Tourism Vancouver hears it all the time from our visitors: "It's so beautiful and green here!" But in Vancouver, green is more than just a flattering colour. It's a steadfast commitment to sustainability. We can already claim the smallest carbon footprint of any major North American city. And we're a recognized leader in green building and sustainable planning. Vancouver is rated 2nd in the US and Canada Green City Index. Commissioned by Siemens, the Green City Index was conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2011. This unique research project assessed and compared cities in terms of their environmental performance. But there's more we can do and we're up to the task: by 2020, Vancouver has an action plan to be the greenest city in the world
.
Greenest City 2020 is a bold initiative that will address Vancouver's environmental challenges. Through a set of measurable and attainable targets, we will put the city on the path to sustainability, and make us the greenest city in the world by 2020.
A broad stakeholder and public consultation process started by the City of Vancouver in 2010 turned into a plan to make Vancouver the Greenest City by 2020 Green economy targets Double the number of green jobs over 2010 levels by 2020 Double the number of companies that are actively engaged in greening their operations over 2011 levels by 2020 Climate leadership target Reduce community-based greenhouse gas emissions by 33% from 2007 levels Green Buildings Targets Require all buildings constructed from 2020 onward to be carbon neutral in operations Reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in existing buildings by 20% over 2007 levels Zero Waste Target Reduce solid waste going to the landfill or incinerator by 50% from 2008 levels Access to Nature Targets All Vancouver residents live within a five-minute walk of a park, greenway, or other green space by 2020 Plant 150,000 new trees by 2020 Lighter Footprint Target Reduce Vancouver's ecological footprint by 33% over 2006 levels Clean Water Targets Meet or beat the strongest of British Columbian, Canadian, and appropriate international drinking water quality standards and guidelines Reduce per capita water consumption by 33% from 2006 levels Clean Air Target Always meet or beat the most stringent air quality guidelines from Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and the World Health Organization Local Food Target Increase city-wide and neighbourhood food assets by a minimum of 50% over 2010 levels Source: http://vancouver.ca/green-vancouver/targets-and-priority-actions.aspx
The services of the tourism energy specialist will build on the BC Hydro partnership and further assist Tourism Vancouver ’ s 1,000-plus member businesses to manage their energy and realize financial savings. Strive for zero waste with a committed approach to waste diversion and minimization Go Green commuting subsidy for employees , supporting sustainable transportation choices Teleworking and video conferencing when possible Use double-sided printing whenever possible, halving our printing volume Compiled a Conservation Library as a go-to resource for our members. It's full of energy-saving tips, information, and programs to help improve the bottom line of their businesses and reduce environmental impacts. Tourism Vancouver ’ s Ambassadors for Conservation award recognized the members who have completed significant conservation projects each year. The Action Plan is divided into 10 smaller plans, each with a long-term goal and 2020 targets. Combined, these 10 plans address three overarching areas of focus: Carbon Waste Ecosystems The Greenest City Action plan outlines the strategies to achieving the 10 key targets set to be achieved by 2020 o The plan: http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/Greenest-city-action-plan.pdf o The implementation update: http://vancouver.ca/green-vancouver/greenest-city-2020-action-plan.aspx
We are challenging our members to look at other sustainability initiatives, including becoming carbon neutral, identifying new waste management practices and educating staff and the public on the awareness of all environmental issues. How will we do it? Peer pressure! (Creates a social norm that raises the bar for the whole industry) We've invited recognized leaders in the hospitality business to take a conservation pledge. Once they're on board, we'll chronicle their efforts to "power down" and conserve energy. Everyone needs role models. By sharing their experiences, our new Tourism Ambassadors will set an example for their industry peers and model conservation as a way of life. We are currently working on a project to create an annual Ambassadors for Conservation award that will recognize the member businesses in select categories that achieve exemplary conservation results. All members who sign a pledge and complete conservation initiatives will also be recognized as Ambassadors for Conservation.
Pr udent stewardship of our environment is an important risk management strategy
I moved back to Toronto in 2006 and started freelancing as a meeting planner. One of the projects I worked on for several years was a large annual conference for 2000+ attendees who moved around both the US and Canada. In 2009, we brought the meeting to Calgary…
Located in Canada’s midwest, in the province of Alberta.
Calgary, a Green Meeting Destination Actions Calgary’s meetings and conventions industry has implemented and sustained innovative and effective green initiatives including: Calgary TELUS Convention Centre BOMA Go Green Certification, utilizing renewable green power, energy efficient lighting, water conservation and recycling initiatives Over 40 of Calgary’s Hotels have Green Key Designations and provide a variety of Green Meeting options with sustainable practices including locally sourced and seasonal catering, 100% green energy suppliers and Green Teams engaging participation in Green initiatives throughout Calgary. Other meeting, convention and event venues including Calgary Zoo, Stampede Park and the TELUS World of Science have also introduce similar sustainability initiatives including; rain water harvesting, on site solar energy and lighting control systems Anything else – The City of Calgary’s operations including the C-Train (Light Rail Transit) system are powered by 100% renewable energy .
Calgary, a Green Meeting Destination Why To uphold and enhance Calgary’s status as a green destination having been ranked the top (1 st ) Eco-City Worldwide in 2010
How In 2008, the City of Calgary launched their 10 year strategic vision for the city, the Calgary Economic Development Strategy. This aggressive plan calls for Calgary to become the global centre for all things energy. The SURE industry group will play a critical role in achieving this goal. The Sustainable and Renewable Energy (SURE) covers everything from wind energy, solar, biofuel, hydro to environmental technologies and waste management.
The meetings and conventions industry in Calgary has aligned itself with this strategic vision through the initiatives above. Benefits Calgary’s status as a Green Meeting destination When sustainability is a fundamental criteria for selecting a meeting destination, having this status allows Calgary to distinguish itself from other Cities. This also allows companies wishing to maintain their own sustainability credentials when planning meetings, to select green venues and suppliers in Calgary.
Positive effect on the attendees Attendees are confident in the knowledge that the environmental impact of the meeting they are attending has been minimised.
In Addition to Calgary attendees also have the knowledge that there are green and sustainable venues all over Alberta. Within an hour of Calgary you can be the Banff National Park enjoying nature in a pristine wilderness. Reminder: The Best meetings happen outside the boardroom! (Remember to breathe)