Edmonton
E dmonton is a destination that takes sustainability seriously , evident by it being the first city in Western Canada to join the GDS-Index .
Explore Edmonton and Ostrom Climate , a carbon management solution provider , have launched the Carbon Neutral Events Programme .
Hitting the ground running can be one of the biggest challenges for organisers , but the programme provides complimentary consulting courtesy of the provider ’ s dedicated sustainability team . On top of this , organisers in Edmonton can follow the Responsible Events Programme , partners of which provide a range of sustainable incentives and venues in line with UN ’ s Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ).
Exploring Edmonton
Green venues As Greenkey Global Meetings certified and Climate Smart certified venues , the Edmonton EXPO Centre and Edmonton Convention Centre ( ECC ) are dedicated to making a big difference by maintaining a small environmental impact . Yearly benchmarks from the EXPO and the ECC ensure that the venues stay on track with their sustainability goals – which are also in-line with the UN ’ s SDGs .
These schemes have already made a significant impact . In 2019 , EXPO recycled over 50,000kg of material and composted over 30,000kg of organic waste . On top of this , both venues are prioritising local good and implementing more plant-based options into their menus .
Both also heavily invest in on-site urban farming solutions ( such as urban beehouse projects ) and donate excess food to the Edmonton Food Bank ’ s Second Helping Programme . Zero waste is so crucial to the EXPO Centre that the venue has its own Zero Waste Coordinator , who ensures that the 48,495sqm . venue ’ s impact is small .
Environment Week in 2020 saw ECC announce the completion of its atrium revitalisation project – the unveiling of an integrated rooftop solar array . Through the replacement of 696 glass panels with solar , the venue reduces almost 150,00kg of greenhouse gas emissions annually .
In August 2022 , the EXPO Centre announced its decision to install the largest solar array in Canada on the venue ’ s very own rooftop . At the announcement , programme manager Brad Watson explained that the array ’ s energy output will be equal “ to that of about 375 homes .”
The Responsible Events Programme promotes a range of sustainable activities available to integrate events into Edmonton ’ s sustainable legacy :
• Donating conference tickets to students
• Urban farm experiences
• City Cleanup Programme
• Various item donations through United Way
All of the EXPO Centre ’ s and ECC ’ s projects can be seen and felt by organisers due to the Responsible Events Programme . After an event has come to an end , planners can receive a waste composition study from their venue – including a waste audit and event assessment for the next steps of improvement .
All of the EXPO Centre ’ s and ECC ’ s projects can be seen and felt by organisers due to the Responsible Events Programme .
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