Sustainable Events Corner EIBTM 2012

Sustainability in Action

CANADA
 Andrew Walker, BComm, MES
 Born and raised in Toronto, Canada
 Bachelor of Commerce
• Hospitality and Tourism Management
 Since 2005, specialised in sales & marketing, project
management and on-site logistics in Canada and US
 Master in Environmental Studies
• Sustainable Meeting and Event Management
 Relocated to London, United Kingdom in 2010
 Established E3 Strategy Limited to provide sustainability
research, training and support for business events
Today’s Agenda

CTC Strategic Tourism Travel Alberta

Approach Vancouver

Sustainability in Action: CANADA

CTC Green Workplace
Strategy
Goal: to improve the efficiency and
sustainability of the CTC’s corporate
operations

Rationale:
•CTC is Canada’s national tourism
marketing organization and plays
significant role representing Canada
abroad
•Increasing emphasis on climate
change and sustainable tourism
•CTC can lead by example by
developing and implementing a
corporate sustainability strategy and
positively influence the sustainability
practices of other organizations
Benefits of the CTC Green Workplace Strategy

1. Reduce usage of energy and resources

2. Reducing waste
3. Reducing operational costs in the medium to
long-term
4. Increasing overall efficiency

A shift to a culture of sustainability will also lead to

increased productivity, higher employee retention and
lower recruiting costs
Methodology of the CTC Green Workplace Strategy

• Engaged third-party to perform baseline eco-

audits to determine environmental footprint
• Four keys areas:
1. Energy
2. Waste
3. Travel
4. Procurement
Recommendations
Energy
•Eliminate ‘stand by’ power
usage
•Use the most efficient
lighting available
•Install occupancy sensors
for lighting management in
offices and meeting rooms
•Decommission 1/3 of
current fluorescent lights
Waste
• Encourage staff to use
less and recycle more
• Educate staff
• Continue to work with
the Bentall Go Green
Tenant Action
Committee
Recommendations
Travel
• Explore purchasing and • Introduce a CTC-
implementing a CTC- sponsored incentive
wide videoconferencing program for employee
system commuting
• Encourage employees • Implement universal
to reduce business telework and flexible
travel by an average work arrangements for
12% CTC staff
• Encourage sustainable
behaviour on the road
Recommendations
Procurement
• Amend CTC procurement policy to reflect
principle of ethical and sustainable purchasing
practices
• Purchase sustainable brand merchandise
• Switch to using recycled paper
Vancouver
`
Toronto
Vancouver
 Vancouver - Spectacular by Nature

Tourism Vancouver hears it all the time from our visitors: "It's so beautiful and green here!" But in Vancouver, green is more than just a
flattering colour. It's a steadfast commitment to sustainability.

We can already claim the smallest carbon footprint of any major North American city. And we're a recognized leader in green building and
sustainable planning. Vancouver is rated 2nd in the US and Canada Green City Index. Commissioned by Siemens, the Green City Index was
conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2011. This unique research project assessed and compared cities in terms of their
environmental performance. But there's more we can do and we're up to the task: by 2020, Vancouver has an action plan to be the greenest
city in the world
 ACTIONS
Hired an energy specialist in partnership with BC
Hydro with the mandate to guide member
hotels, restaurants and attractions in energy
efficiency and conservation initiatives

Recently, Tourism Vancouver’s appointment of a tourism energy specialist is believed to be a worldwide first among destination marketing
organizations. The role was made possible through sponsorship from BC Hydro with the mandate to guide member hotels, restaurants and
attractions in energy efficiency and conservation initiatives.
 ACTIONS
Assist members by identifying projects and
strategies that will manage their energy
consumption and realize financial savings

Since 2008, Tourism Vancouver has partnered with BC Hydro to promote energy efficiency and energy conservation within Vancouver’s
tourism industry. The goal of this partnership is to reduce consumption and advance Vancouver as the leading sustainable tourism
destination.
 ACTIONS
Developing our own comprehensive
2020 GreenCity program
 WHY
Vancouver the Greenest City by 2020 10 key targets

1. Green economy
2. Climate leadership
3. Green buildings
4. Green transportation
5. Zero waste
6. Access to nature
7. Lighter footprint
8. Clean water
9. Clean air
10. Local food
 HOW
Tourism Vancouver Sustainable Tourism Initiatives

1. Hired an energy specialist

2. Strive for zero waste
3. Go Green commuting subsidy
4. Teleworking and video
conferencing
5. Use double-sided printing
6. Compiled a Conservation
Library
7. Created Ambassadors for
Conservation Award
 HOW
Ambassadors for Conservation

CONSERVATION PLEDGE:

• A true conservation ethic and commitment

to sustainability

• A commitment to reserve time throughout

the year to ensure an ongoing and valuable
contribution to the initiative.

• A willingness to be profiled as an advocate

for sustainable tourism and share my
experiences

• An eagerness to promote sustainable

tourism at relevant events, meetings, social
gatherings, and social media sites

• A conservation pledge to reduce energy

consumption, cut back on carbon emissions,
and/or use resources in a sustainable
manner
Hosting BENEFITS
Industry Events
• Spectacular by Nature is a
core element of what sets
Vancouver apart and
sustainable management of
our impact on the natural
environment is valued
highly.
• By managing the growth in
energy demand we can
offset the need for new
sources of supply, which
invariably have a much
higher impact and cost than
conservation.
 POSITIVE EFFECT
Hosting ON DELEGATES
Industry Events
From the arrival at the airport to the day of departure, there is a
comprehensive strategy shared by the industry and local
government to make Vancouver the most sustainable destination
Calgary
`
Toronto
Calgary
````````````````
ACTIONS

Green initiatives:
• Calgary TELUS
Convention Centre
BOMA Go Green
Certification
• 40+ Hotels have Green
Key Designations
• MICE venues with
sustainability initiatives
include Calgary Zoo,
Stampede Park and
Telus World of Science
WHY

• To uphold and enhance Calgary’s

status as a green destination
• Ranked the top (1st) Eco-City
Worldwide in 2010
HOW • In 2008, City of Calgary
launched 10 year
strategic vision
• Aggressive plan calls for
Calgary to become global
centre for energy
• Sustainable and
Renewable Energy (SURE)
industry group created to
help achieve this goal,
covers wind energy, solar,
biofuel, hydro, as well as
environmental
technologies and waste
management
BENEFITS

• Commitment to sustainability can help

Calgary distinguish itself from other cities
• Support companies to uphold their own
sustainability goals when planning
meetings in Calgary

The meetings and conventions industry in Calgary has aligned itself with this strategic vision through the
initiatives above.
Calgary’s status as a Green Meeting destination
When sustainability is a fundamental criteria for selecting a meeting destination, having this status allows
Calgary to distinguish itself from other Cities. This also allows companies wishing to maintain their own
sustainability credentials when planning meetings, to select green venues and suppliers in Calgary.
POSITIVE EFFECT ON ATTENDEES

Attendees are
confident in the
knowledge that
the environmental
impact of the
meeting they are
attending has
been minimised
NATURE ON THE DOORSTEP

The best meetings happen outside the boardroom!

In Addition to Calgary attendees also have the knowledge that there are green and sustainable venues all
over Alberta. Within an hour of Calgary you can be the Banff National Park enjoying nature in a pristine
wilderness.
Reminder: The Best meetings happen outside the boardroom! (Remember to breathe)
THANK YOU

Andrew Walker, BComm, MES

Email: andrew@E3strategy.co.uk
Twitter: @andrewswalker