CEIL's GOVgreen Conference and Exposition recognizes our event, activities and actions have a direct effect on the local, regional, and global environment. We are committed to maximizing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. In addition to the efforts taken during the first annual GOVgreen event in 2010, CEIL has continued to strive and not only meet the previous year's standards, but improve where possible.
Similar to any conference or expo, GOVgreen requires a variety of materials to plan, promote and stage an event. From pre-show marketing to onsite show signage, there are many options to aid in producing an environmentally friendly event. Here are steps the Center for Environmental Innovation and Leadership (CEIL) has taken to ensure that GOVgreen Conference and Exposition remains the standard-bearer of sustainability for exhibitions and conferences while providing a zero-waste and carbon-neutral event.
Minimize paper waste
Exhibitor services manuals available exclusively online.
Exhibitor prospectus and conference brochures were not printed, but emailed to prospects in an electronic format.
All direct mail (postcards) printed on SFI certified recycled paper.
Badges delivered via email to save printing and distribution. Printed badges are only available to attendees who verify onsite.
Digital signs will be utilized for all meeting rooms in place of printed signs.
Course handouts will not be printed, but available for viewing online
Eliminate Plastic Bottles
Plastic water bottles will not be available at the event.
Water stations utilizing SFI certified Ecotainers will be strategically placed throughout the exhibit hall.
Recycle and Reuse Event Materials
Recycling stations are available throughout the conference and exhibition.
Event signs are designed with reuse in mind. Approximately 65% of GOVgreen's 2010 signage has been repurposed for this year.
Signs for GOVgreen are100% recyclable and printed direct to substrate.
All carpet and padding were recycled.
All excess materials, including pens, notebooks/pads and tote bags will be donated to the Alice Ferguson Foundation. The Alice Ferguson Foundation encourages connections between people, the natural environment, farming and the cultural heritage of the Potomac River Watershed, which lead to personal environmental responsibility.
Achieve a net zero energy and carbon neutral event
GHG and carbon emissions were calculated through Carbonfund.org by looking at three categories based on guidance related to EO 13514, specifically, Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
The event’s total energy generation to be offset with the purchase of high-quality carbon offsets.
An online personal carbon footprint calculator is available online and onsite to help attendees join GOVgreen in making a difference in climate change.
All show materials to follow green standards
Tote bags made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.
Badge holders and lanyards made from 50% recycled material.
Tabletops and trash liners biodegradable.
Registration counters, information desks and kiosks made of 100% recycled aluminum.
Shipping materials made of 100%-recycled materials.
Banners, including booth headers, made of at least 35% post-consumer recycled content with water-based and UV inks.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center Practices
The building's exterior walls are comprised of clear low-emission glass that maximizes natural light and controls temperature fluctuations.
Lutron, the highly sophisticated neutron controlled computer system, manages the building wide lighting system.
The lighting system in over a mile of service corridors and all restrooms are censored.
The center provides "Metrochecks," a transit benefit to all employees for daily commute on Metrorail and Metrobus.
Partners with the DC Circulator, a frequent bus service operating in the heart of the District of Columbia, which is a convenient and affordable method of transportation serving downtown hotels, major area attractions, and special events in the area.
Bicycle racks are availalbe for guests and staff.
Water Efficiency
The building’s infrastructure supports storm water management. The extensive roof system feeds rain water into nine (9) large underground collection tanks around the property. The tanks collect, filter then release rainwater into the District of Columbia’s storm system at a reduced rate.
Utilizing effective water management system of cooling towers reduce the loss and increase the use of potable water.
Foodservice sinks and water fountains provide filtered water.
Restrooms have infrared flush commodes, low flow urinals, and faucet sensors.
Energy & Atmosphere
Compact fluorescent, HID, T5 and T8 high efficiency lighting is used in public areas throughout the facility. Halls are equipped with two light sources, high efficiency lighting used for almost all functions and theatrical type dimmable lighting system used only for limited special events.
A computer system controls lights in most areas of the building. It enables daylight control for the public concourses and halls that have outside light. The lighting system is calibrated to align with energy conservation policy which reduces light levels to 10% in halls and public areas when unoccupied, 50% during event move-in and move-out, and only operates at full levels when the event is in progress.
Lighting in restrooms is controlled by a light sensor system.
Select meeting rooms are equipped with system-controlled shades for solar heat management.
Material & Resources
The Center utilizes the “Know the Code” recycling and waste minimization program, a color-coded approach to waste separation at the source.
The following materials are recycled: cardboard/mixed paper, glass, aluminum, plastic bottles and cans, fluorescent bulbs, toner cartridges, and batteries.
Reuse program partnerships have been developed with community businesses for reuse of various materials including electronics, telephones, carpet, visqueen and pallets.
In addition to a food composting program, the convention center's foodservice partner offers organic and locally grown food and donates excess to the DC Central Kitchen, a nationally recognized, non-profit organization.
Indoor Environment Quality
The Convention Center uses 100% SCA post consumer paper products and Green Seal certified Gojofoam hand soap in all of its restrooms.
Ecolab, one of the Center's environmentally preferred vendors, provides cleaning and sanitizing products to foodservice and housekeeping service partners.
Low-to-no volatile organic compound adhesives, sealants, paints, and carpeting are used throughout the Center.
Carbon dioxide sensors are located throughout the Center to ensure that appropriate levels of fresh air are being circulated. The carbon monoxide management system is integrated with CO sensors to run exhaust and fresh air fans, as needed, thus providing fresh air for driveways and underground loading docks.
