San Francisco launches web site to draw green meetings

In San Francisco, they’re calling it "ecothusiasm." With its hybrid taxis, solar-powered convention center and slew of nature-friendly hotels and venues, the city is touting its environmental commitment to planners of conventions and meetings.

This week, the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau introduced a "Green SF" web site for tourists, businesses and convention organizers. On the new site, the bureau makes the case for San Francisco to be considered among the top tier of sustainable destinations.

The site's "Green Your Meeting" section offers facts about the 60,000-square-foot solar array atop the Moscone Convention Center (the largest city-owned solar system in the U.S.), news about the greening of the city’s hotels and restaurants, and tips for planners to produce greener meetings and events in the Golden Gate City.

To be sure, San Francisco's eco-credibility is bolstered by the new ordinance banning plastic shopping bags – the first such law on the books of any U.S. city. Also, Mayor Gavin Newsom has outlawed use of city funds to buy single-use water bottles.

"San Francisco is in the forefront of the green meetings movement – as evidenced by City Hall and its green policies being implemented such as no plastic bags, water bottles, all taxis becoming hybrids and other measures," said Kathryn Horton, director of convention services at the SFCVB. "Both hotels and restaurants are implementing green strategies and are proactive in donations of food and materials to the local community including trying to utilize locally farmed produce. In addition, Moscone Center is a leader in the recycling world diverting over 70 percent of its waste and also composts leftover foods."

Furthermore, the bureau has launched a new blog on the site dubbed "Eco411" featuring information and tips for "planet-friendly businesses and activities" in San Francisco. Hyperlinks to the mayor’s office and Department of the Environment are included.

"San Francisco is on the cutting edge of the environmental movement, it's really part of the city's personality," said Joe D'Alessandro, SFCVB president and CEO. "Our new Web pages provide resources and information for everyone who wants to learn about what they can do to join this worldwide effort."


| Other Headlines for August 7, 2008

LEED-certified Hyatt Place planned for San Antonio (San Antonio Business Journal)

Maker of biodegradable food service items quadruples sales (Denver Post)

In U.S., 19 percent of regional malls are failing (onearth)

Globally, airlines offer 59.7 million fewer seats than last year (Modern Agent)