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GoGreen Conference Portland

Environmental Considerations

The GoGreen Conference aspires to produce environmentally and socially responsible events. We employ a set of core commitments for every community we work in:

  • Commitment to the social dimension of sustainability via robust engagement and collaboration with locally based social cause and non-profit organizations.
  • Commitment to the economic dimension of sustainability through a concentrated focus in our programming and purchasing decisions on building and supporting strong local/regional economies and green businesses.
  • Commitment to minimize the environmental impact of each event through recognized sustainable best practices, vendor relationships and upholding high standards for venue selection.

We continually seek to further enhance our efforts in all of these areas. If you know of a new opportunity for us to look into, please contact us at events@gogreenconference.net.

VENUE

GERDING THEATER

  • Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council as exceeding the requirements for designation as LEED Platinum
  • Actively harvests rainwater for re-use in non-potable applications—resulting in significant potable water savings
  • Energy-saving strategies are in place, including displacement ventilation in the office, theater and lobby areas; the use of chilled beams for heating and supplemental cooling; and skylights that allow for daylight penetration into office areas
  • Employs a highly-efficient lighting design to lower energy use
  • Venue is easily accessible via multiple public transit options—train, bus and streetcar

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

HONEST TEA

  • Uses reduced packaging, wind energy production, upcycling programs with TerraCycle to fulfill their mission to grow responsibly and craft great tasting products for their customers.

ARTEMIS FOODS

  • Uses organic, local and seasonal produce, dairy, meats, grains and bread
  • Donates leftover food to a homeless shelter
  • Purchases carbon neutral Green Tags from Bonneville Environmental Foundation
  • Offers vegetarian opt-in option for catered events

SNOQUALMIE WINERY

  • In The Vineyards: Utilizes low-impact pest, soil, and water management techniques including the use of recycled grape pomace to increase soil fertility, drip irrigation for increased water efficiency, and environmentally friendly, soft material-based pest control agents.
  • In The Winery: Conserves energy through high-efficiency, motion-triggered lighting systems, utilizes water-efficient hoses in the cellar, employs a gray water re-use system and water-efficient landscaping on winery grounds, reduces solid waste through an intensive recycling program and strives to have all print materials made exclusively with 100 percent recycled papers and vegetable-based inks.

FULL SAIL BREWING

  • Utilizes Hood River water and has taken steps to reduce their water consumption and operate a bona fide water treatment plant.
  • 85 percent of Full Sail’s hops and 95 percent of its barley come from Northwest farms.

WATER

  • Bonneville Environmental Foundation Water Restoration Certificates (WRC’s) will balance GoGreen ’11 Portland’s direct and indirect water consumption, including water used in the event space, operations and facilities.
  • No water bottles will be provided on site; drinking water will be served from a tap filtration system.

ENERGY

  • Turn HVAC down in venue space after hours and when not in use.

MATERIALS PROCUREMENT

  • Event signage and programs provided by Willamette Print & Blueprint, which uses higher quality display products, made from post-consumer recycled materials, and printed with virtually no waste or harmful by-products. Their Enviro-Board is made locally and is composed of 67 percent post consumer/post-industrial recycled content.
  • Event promotion is pursued primarily via online methods: e-newsletters, online advertising and social media.
  • The registration process for all GoGreen Conference events utilizes a 100 percent paperless ticket system.
  • GoGreen ’11 Portland’s lanyards are provided by Ecobrander and are made from bamboo fiber.
  • GoGreen ’11 Portland’s badge holders, by Rebinder, are compostable and made from corn-starch.
  • All suppliers are local when possible and deemed conscious of their social responsibility (A/V, food/beverage, exhibitor materials)

WASTE

  • Zero-waste management efforts are implemented materials reduction and re-use. Remaining waste is diverted from the landfill via recycling and composting. All waste is monitored, weighed and reported.
  • Food scraps will be composted and food service items recycled by Artemis Foods
  • Minimal food packaging is used
  • Use of durable products is preferred in place of disposable ones whenever possible (linens, lanyards, etc.)
  • When disposable products are necessary, renewable and responsible materials are preferred:
    • Compostable corn-based plastic containers
    • Compostable and sustainable sugarcane paper goods
    • Compostable potato and vegetable-based cutlery
    • Compostable corn-based cold cups

HOTEL PARTNERS

HOTEL FIFTY

  • Features paperless guest check-in and check-out
  • Provides key cards made from recycled corn products
  • Uses environmentally safe, certified green cleaning products for guest rooms and public areas
  • Employs low-fl ow toilets and shower heads
  • Offers Easy Access to Public Transportation
  • Upholds internal policy to turn off lighting and HVAC when guest rooms are not occupied
  • Engages in recycle programs for cardboard, paper, aluminum, plastic, toners and printing ink
  • Purchases recycled paper and related products

HOTEL DELUXE

  • Employs in-room recycling and linen/water conservation programs
  • Engages in kitchen recycling and composting programs
  • Utilizes eco-friendly cleaning products

TRANSPORTATION

  • Venue was chosen in part for its central location near multiple public transportation options, including bus routes, MAX Train lines and Streetcar lines as well as accessible bike parking.