Denver vies for title of greenest U.S. meetings destination

After the biodegradable balloons drop to end the 2008 Democratic National Convention, host city Denver will be in position to market itself to associations and corporations as one of the most Earth-friendly cities in America for events.

Along with a series of municipal initiatives on energy and waste dubbed “Greenprint Denver”, the preparations to help Democrats produce the “greenest political convention in history” have resulted in significant steps towards sustainability.

For instance, both Denver’s airport and chief meetings venue have installed arrays of photovoltaic panels. A solar plant at Denver International Airport soon will produce 3.5 million kilowatt hours of clean electricity each year.

"This solar energy system will provide cleaner air and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the city and county of Denver and serve as a highly visible environmental statement to the millions of passengers that travel through our airport each month," said Turner West, the airport's aviation manager.

Meantime, the 584,000-square-foot Colorado Convention Center is putting finishing touches on the largest rooftop solar system in Colorado. The meetings facility also has its own light rail station. Further, the CCC has implemented a comprehensive program to boost energy efficiency, air quality, water conservation and waste reduction. Moreover, the center soon will offer a bike-sharing program and now is applying for LEED-EB status from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Denver's hospitality sector also has made strides towards nature-friendliness. Case in point: The Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center announced in July that due to recent changes in its operations, the property would aim for Green Seal certification by the end of this year, making it the first such-recognized hotel in Colorado.

Beyond meetings infrastructure, Denver has taken a leadership role among American cities in its environmental commitment. Under its Climate Action Plan, the city intends to reduce per capita greenhouse gas emissions 10 percent by 2012.

"We all have a responsibility to act now," said Mayor John Hickenlooper. "Denver remains committed to leading by example."


| Other Headlines for August 4, 2008

In UK, small businesses cut face-to-face meetings (Wales Online)

Baltimore to open $300 million Hilton with green roof this month (Baltimore Business Journal)

Will Americans accept greener hotel rooms? (New York Times)

Travel industry calls for special Congressional session on fuel prices (Travel Agent Central)

Spain changes laws to boost sustainability (Independent)