Sustainable Events Corner EIBTM 2012

Sustainability in Action

CANADA

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

Today’s Agenda

Sustainability in Action: CANADA

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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

Benefits of the CTC Green Workplace Strategy

1. Reduce usage of energy and resources2. Reducing waste3. Reducing operational costs in the medium to

long-term4. Increasing overall efficiency

A shift to a culture of sustainability will also lead to increased productivity, higher employee retention and lower recruiting costs

Methodology of the CTC Green Workplace Strategy

• Engaged third-party to perform baseline eco-audits to determine environmental footprint

• Four keys areas:1. Energy2. Waste3. Travel4. Procurement

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

RecommendationsTravel•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

RecommendationsProcurement•Amend CTC procurement policy to reflect principle of ethical and sustainable purchasing practices•Purchase sustainable brand merchandise•Switch to using recycled paper

Toronto````````````````````Vancouver

Vancouver

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

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.

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.

ACTIONS

Developing our own comprehensive 2020 GreenCity program

WHYVancouver the Greenest City by 2020 10 key targets

1. Green economy2. Climate leadership3. Green buildings4. Green transportation5. Zero waste6. Access to nature7. Lighter footprint8. Clean water9. Clean air10. Local food

HOWTourism Vancouver Sustainable Tourism Initiatives

1. Hired an energy specialist2. Strive for zero waste3. Go Green commuting subsidy4. Teleworking and video

conferencing5. Use double-sided printing6. Compiled a Conservation

Library7. Created Ambassadors for

Conservation Award

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

HOWAmbassadors for Conservation

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

Hosting Industry EventsFrom 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

Toronto````````````````````Calgary

````````````````Calgary

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

WHY

• To uphold and enhance Calgary’s status as a green destination

• Ranked the top (1st) Eco-City Worldwide in 2010

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

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.

POSITIVE EFFECT ON ATTENDEES

Attendees are confident in the knowledge that the environmental impact of the meeting they are attending has been minimised

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)

THANK YOU

Andrew Walker, BComm, MESEmail: andrew@E3strategy.co.ukTwitter: @andrewswalker