2008 Greening the Hospitality Industry Conference - Carbon Offsets

For the first time in 2006 the Green Meeting Industry Council, in partnership with our host venue the Doubletree Hotel & Executive Center Portland Lloyd Center, offset 100% of our meeting-generated CO2 emissions. In 2008 we are doing the same, but also providing delegates with the option to participate in offsetting.

To do this we are partnering with Offsetters Carbon Neutral Society, a not-for-profit organization based in our host city of Vancouver, Canada.

The Conference Program Committee has learned a lot in researching and determining an offset program. We hope by sharing our experience you might take away some lessons learned in developing your own offset.

Step 1: Determine priorities
Our committee discussed and determined the following priorities for offsetting the GMIC conference before researching and selecting an offset provider. The offset must:

• Be provided at no direct cost to GMIC.
• Enable a voluntary opportunity for individuals and organizations to sponsor offsets.
• Provide education for our members about offsetting.

Step 2: Research organizations and set selection criteria
Selecting a carbon offset provider is not an easy process. New organizations that offset are emerging everyday and understanding and navigating the jargon of neutrality, additionality, permanence and carbon can be confusing for most. The GMIC has decided to:

• Support a locally-based organization in the host destination.
• Support both a local and global offset project, recognizing that our event has local impacts in terms of energy consumption and global effects on climate change.
• Contribute to projects that are additional - or would not have otherwise occurred without our support.
• Contribute to projects that are permanent - that is, they permanently remove GHG emissions from the atmosphere.

Step 3: Communicate and engage participants
As a voluntary program our carbon offset relies on you - the delegate, exhibitor, speaker and sponsor - to take responsibility for your carbon footprint by purchasing an offset. The program committee has planned a diversity of outreach tactics to inform you of this option and its importance to us, through our web site, the registration process, onsite and following the event. Please join us by offsetting your conference footprint.