USGBC meeting planners first in U.S. to be certified for green event management

The U.S. Green Building Council’s conferences and events team has earned certification under the new British standard for planning sustainable events, known as BS 8901. The event planners at USGBC are the first in the U.S. to earn the distinction. The USGBC team produces over 100 events annually, including Greenbuild International Conference & Expo and the USGBC Federal Summit. Third-party monitoring of Greenbuild 2008 earned the USGBC planners the certification.

“At each Greenbuild, our Conferences and Events team works closely with our vendors, host communities, exhibitors and attendees to cut down on natural resource use and reduce carbon emissions, while gaining feedback about ways to continuously improve the show,” said Kimberly Lewis, Vice President of Conferences and Events, USGBC. “Certification under the British standard validates our processing, execution and post-event monitoring and incentivizes us to continue to transform the global meetings industry.”

BS 8901 provides standards for meeting and event planners and suppliers to show a commitment to more sustainable operations. It requires groups to produce greener events every year.

This year’s Greenbuild show will take place November 11-13, 2009 in Phoenix, Ariz.

Marriott Golf gets greener

Marriott Golf has announced that 17 international properties will achieve certification as Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries by the end of this year. The news comes after the company successfully achieved such certification for 24 North American properties in 2008.

“With so much success in 2008, expanding the program to include our international properties was the next logical step and truly elevates our position as an environmental leader in worldwide golf course management,” said Robert Waller, senior director of grounds, Marriott Golf. “We are committed to promoting the game of golf in an eco-friendly way, and working with Audubon allows us to do that while also maintaining the integrity of our premier courses.”

Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries are designed to protect natural areas and wildlife habitats.

“We are very pleased with the enhanced level of commitment Marriott is showing by expanding Audubon Certification to their 17 international golf properties,” said Kevin Fletcher, executive director of Audubon International. “This program directly enables golf courses to protect the environment by improving the quality of land, water, and air, along with conserving natural resources and protecting wildlife habitats. These proven environmental management practices will help preserve the natural heritage of the game of golf for many generations to come.”

Pittsburgh convention to focus on green business opportunity

From March 30-31 in Pittsburgh's green David L. Lawrence convention center, Green$sense 2009: Beyond Buildings will focus on the importance of green manufacturing and economic development. It is produced but the Green Building Alliance, a green buildings and products advocate.

"While many traditional drivers of economic growth are struggling, green sectors are experiencing some economic growth and are poised for even more," said Diane Bossart, education manager, Green Building Alliance. "By attending Green$ense, attendees will gain insight on how to capitalize on these green opportunities by learning from and networking with experts, as well as exploring how practical applications will translate into environmental, economic, and social benefits for our region and our communities."

Speakers are to include Jerome Ringo, of the Apollo Alliance, an authority on green jobs. Further, Bryan Howard, manager of Federal Advocacy from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) will speak about what the recent economic stimulus package means for green jobs, infrastructure and business opportunities.