Thank you to the following sponsors for their support of the AZA Green Mission and the 3rd Annual Green Summit!
Scroll down for details on how AZA and our conference partners are reducing the footprint of the 2013 AZA Mid-Year Meeting.
Green Technology Sponsor
Green Summit Sponsors
Conference Promotional Materials
• AZA prints all promotional materials on Forest Stewardship Council certified, recycled, double-sided paper, printed with vegetable oil-based inks when available.
• In all promotional pre-conference materials, AZA strongly encourages attendees to register online with a credit card, rather than mailing a hardcopy registration form and check.
Conference Registration Materials
• Recycling receptacles for attendee registration badges will be located at the registration desk to collect unwanted badge holders for re-use at other AZA Meetings.
• All conference registration giveaways are made from eco-friendly material, untreated, unbleached, and recyclable. Attendees are encouraged to reuse these bags and giveaways whenever possible.
Conference Program Materials
• AZA will be printing a program guide on Forest Stewardship Council certified, recycled, double-sided paper, printed with vegetable oil-based inks. Attendees are encouraged to only take one copy and dispose of in the recycle bins located throughout the convention center.
• A mobile app and mobile website will be made available, which will elimate the need for a printed program guide for some attendees. Attendees will be given the option during the registration process to opt out of receiving a program guide.
• All directional and room signage is reused by AZA from one event to another, whenever possible.
• If applicable, AZA will encourage all speakers to provide their handouts or presentations to be posted on the AZA website after the conference for Member access.
Sustainability at the South Carolina Aquarium
Blue Seas, Green Office
At the South Carolina Aquarium, we bring our mission of conservation and environmental protection to work every day. We utilize waste and energy conservation practices in the workplace and encourage others to reduce, reuse, recycle.
Recycling
The aquarium recycles many items including plastics, paper, cell phones, batteries, IT waste, and wooden pallets.
• Natural and synthetic wine corks are recycled from our special events and over 14 local restaurants. 200,000 wine corks have been recycled since 2009.
• More than 3,000 fluorescent light bulbs in the Aquarium have been collected and recycled through a “bulb-eater” system.
• More than 150 tons of comingle and mixed paper have been recycled since the aquarium opened.
• “Ollie’s Trading Post”, an educational trading post for children, also serves as a recycling drop off center where aquarium guests are invited to drop off wine corks, cell phones and batteries.
Energy Efficiency
• The aquarium’s emergency generator is fueled by bio-diesel.
• Light fixtures throughout the building (including EXIT signs) are being upgraded to LED and the Aquarium’s newest exhibit, Madagascar Journey, was installed using only LED lights.
Water Conservation
• The life support systems for most of the aquarium's exhibits reuse and recycle water.
• Native landscaping, drip irrigation and rain barrels are used on property to aid in water conservation.
• Environmental Service’s staff switched to a dry carpet cleaning system that uses biodegradable sponges.
Staff Involvement
• The Aquarium has partnered with a local farm to serve as a drop off site for Community Farm Share.
• All Aquarium vehicles have reusable shopping bags for staff use to limit the need for plastic bags.
• Aquarium staff and volunteers host local beach sweeps.
• Aquarium publications are produced with FSC paper and soy based inks.
Sustainable Seafood Initative 
The South Carolina Aquarium successfully established the Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SSI) to promote ocean conservation and environmentally-responsible seafood choices throughout the Lowcountry. You can support sustainability by visiting one of over 80 restaurants and retail SSI partners. Learn more about the Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SSI).
Carbon Offsetting
Going green could win you some green during this year’s AZA Mid-Year Meeting! The South Carolina Aquarium has partnered with the City of Charleston in an effort to offset your conference-related carbon emissions. Funds generated will be distributed through the South Carolina Aquarium to help support the City’s Green Business Challenge which helps local businesses become more sustainable in their business practices through a LEED like score card system. Your carbon offset support is a gift that keeps giving because it helps businesses lower their carbon footprints and become sustainable members of the local community. When you donate, you will be entered to win one of two $150 gift cards from Keen Shoes. Winners will be chosen on Aquarium Day.
You can donate to offset you carbon emissions when you register online.
Sustainability at the Embassy Suites Hotel
• Composting All Food Waste
• Recycling Program
• Global Soap Project Partner
• Low Flow Shower Heads
• Low Flush Toilets
• Compact Fluorescent Lighting
• Earth Friendly Cleaning Supplies
• Water Conservation Program
• No Single Use Condiments
• Paper Reduction Program
• Digital Newspaper Service
Sustainability at the Charleston Area Convention Center
Recycling Initiatives
• Landscape trimmings are recycled into mulch.
• A program to recycle our banners into reusable tote bags has recently been established.
• Recycling bins are placed around the facility for the collection of plastic and paper.
• We recycle used batteries, oil, ballasts, fluorescent light bulbs, aerosol cans, glass, metal, wood pallets, ink cartridges, and cooking grease.
Energy Efficiency Initiatives
• We have engaged in re-lamping with T-8 fluorescent lights and electronic ballasts.
• Lower wattage fluorescent lighting has been installed in many areas throughout our buildings.
• Sensory lighting systems are used in the back-of-house.
• We have installed energy efficient chillers and variable frequency drives.
• We use electric and/or compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles and cleaning equipment.
• Low E grade glass has been installed to help maintain the temperature within our buildings.
Water Conservation Initiatives
• Timed water-flow sinks have been installed in the Coliseum.
• We landscape with native vegetation which allows for reduced used of irrigation and pesticides while also helping to control rainwater runoff.
Catering Initiatives
• Excess food supplies from Centerplate and from annual food shows are donated to a local food bank.
• Used cooking oil is converted into biodiesel.
• Centerplate uses environmentally friendly food and beverage containers.
• Centerplate serves beer, wine, and liquor produced by local companies to support Charleston businesses.