We’re taking the green initiative

Here at Green Cities HQ, we've been working hard to ensure this year's conference is the most sustainable yet. We're taking the 2012 theme of 'think' seriously and have set ourselves a challenge to push the bounds of how green an event can really be. Check out some of the sustainable initiatives of Green Cities 2012:

Thinking global acting local

• Wherever possible, we're going to be serving up locally sourced food and wine
• There will be delicious and nutritious vegetarian food options on offer throughout the conference and gala event - this gives you the option to reduce your carbon footprint through eating less meat. To change your dietary requirements, please contact registration@icms.com.au.
• Green Cities 2012 venue, the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre (SCEC) actively encourages and facilitates a sustainable event industry through its working practices and Ecowise sustainable initiatives. SCEC also partner with OzHarvest, to donate excess food to disadvantaged people and reduce food waste.

Keeping it out of landfill

• We're limiting the amount of event collateral that ends up in landfill by choosing not to offer delegate gift bags or giveaways.
• The Green Cities team is encouraging all expo exhibitors to reduce their waste by limiting the amount of "freebies" that they give out from their stand and to hire instead of buy. Have a look at more ideas on exhibiting green at Green Cities 2012.
• Green Cities 2012 is embracing the digital age with as much information as possible provided to delegates in a paper-free format.

Carbon offset, not carbon upset

• Green Cities is partnering with Climate Friendly to reduce the carbon footprint of this year's event. The following aspects of the Green Cities 2012 conference and exhibition will be offset:
  
  o Electricity for the venue
  o Electricity for delegate and speaker accommodation
  o Freight
  o Air travel
  o Paper consumption
  o Waste.