AZA is committed to using as many environmentally responsible practices as possible and feasible for the 2009 AZA Annual Conference, September 12-17 in Portland, Oregon.
Congratulations to the Green Mission Drawing Winners
Tom Meehan of the Chicago Zoological Society and Marilyn McBirney of the Pueblo Zoo have won complimentary hotel stays for the 2009 Conference. Their names were selected in a drawing of all individuals who supported the Green Mission by registering online.
Sustainability at the Conference Hotels
Both the Hilton Portland and Executive Tower, as well as the Doubletree Hotel Portland, are Green Seal Certified. Both properties strive to provide hospitality and quality operations while making it a mission to reduce their carbon footprints. For a full list of ways these hotels are reducing the impact, please visit their websites.
Sustainability at the Oregon Convention Center
LEED-EB Rating
The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) carries the LEED-EB Silver Rating by the United States Green Building Council. OCC offers a waste recycling and recovery program that includes pre-and post-consumer organic waste, cardboard, newspaper, plastics, glass bottles, wood pallets, cooking oil and landscaping trimmings. All public areas inside the OCC have convenient, clearly marked recycling barrels for easy sorting.
Food Service
Food service at the Oregon Convention Center also takes measures to conserve, partnering with the City of Portland's Organic Waste Recycling program. Condiments will be served in large containers, free water coolers are located throughout the center, reusable cutlery and dishware will be used. It also composts food waste and uses local, organically grown products whenever possible. Any unused, pre-consumer meals are donated to a local homeless shelter.
Rainwater Processing
OCC's Rain Garden features an extensive system that takes rainwater from the facility's roof and filters it through a series of settling ponds and landscaping before it's released into the nearby Willamette River. The grounds and the building exteriors are both designed to reduce the heat islands produced by asphalt, concrete or open hardsurface roofs. The use of natural habitat vegetation in landscaping and the facility's roof design meet Energy Star requirements for emissivity and reflectance.
Wind Power
OCC is a top-level supporter of the Blue Sky program, Pacific Power's voluntary windpower purchase program, purchasing wind power equal to 40% of our electric use. OCC also uses energy efficient lighting, has ample natural light settings, low-lighting levels during events are set up and tear down, and use conservative lighting schedules during non-event hours.
Use Portland's Excellent Public Transportation
AZA encourages attendees to use the free MAX Light Rail to the Oregon Convention Center from the headquarter conference hotel, Hilton. The MAX Light Rail stops are easily accessible within one block of the Oregon Convention Center and the Hilton and are free of charge.
The MAX Light Rail offers conference attendees transportation to all conference programs and events free of charge as well as transportation to the airport and the Oregon Zoo for as little as $2.30 one-way.
Conference Materials
AZA prints all promotional materials on Forest Stewardship Council certified, recycled, double-sided paper, printed with vegetable oil-based inks when available. In addition:
• Try to limit yourself to one copy and dispose of in the recycle bins located throughout the convention center.
• You'll find a digital version of the program on the AZA website.
• All directional and room signage is reused by AZA from one event to another, whenever possible.
Recycle Your Badges and Bags
Recycling receptacles for attendee registration badges will be located at the registration desk and at Zoo Day to collect unwanted badge holders. All conference delegate bags are made from an eco-friendly material, untreated, unbleached, and recyclable. Attendees are encouraged to reuse delegate bags whenever possible.
In the Exhibit Hall
Some exhibitors will be utilizing a lead retrieval system. Your registration badge has a bar code with your contact information. Exhibitors can scan the bar code and electronically add you to their mailing list. In addition:
• Carpet, table clothes and signage in the exhibit hall will be recycled or reused as much as possible.
• Low-lighting levels will be in place during exhibit hall set up and tear down, and a schedule of conservative lighting use during non-event hours will be established.
Portland Has Gone Green
For more information on how the city of Portland is reducing their footprint, please visit www.TravelPortland.com.