Adelaide Convention Centre has unveiled the details of its much anticipated Go for Green conference packages, believed to be an Australian first allowing convention organisers to both reduce and offset carbon emissions caused by their event.
Under the packages, organisers can elect to purchase renewable energy to run their event, donate $5 per delegate to a carbon offset program and use food that is sourced from local markets cutting down on transport emissions.
Recyclable conference bags, notebooks and drink coasters will be used, food waste and cooking oils recycled and laundering of tablecloths and staff uniforms will be environmentally friendly.
"Go for Green packages are extremely reasonable with various options available starting from as low as $83 per person," Adelaide Convention Centre Chief Executive Alec Gilbert says.
"Event organisers from around the globe are requesting green event packages and we have made sure the pricing is attractive to ensure maximum takeup of these exciting options.
"So far the feedback from clients has been excellent and we are expecting Go for Green to quickly establish itself as a popular choice."
The Go for Green packages are part of a raft of measures the Centre has implemented to establish its green credentials to international and national clients.
"Gold Service, Green Attitude is the underlying philosophy in the way we conduct all of our operations," Mr Gilbert says.
"Adelaide is one of the greenest cities in Australia, committed to limiting the State's greenhouse gas emissions by 108% of 1990 levels before 2012 and to 40% of 1990 levels by 2050. In fact, the energy used at this year's AIME conference comes from wind farms based in South Australia.
"Promoting a green convention centre in a green city is a powerful combination, further establishing Adelaide's reputation as Australia's Convention City."
Already Adelaide Convention Centre recycles about 10 cubic metres of paper and composts seven tonnes of food scraps in Biobins each month.
It purchases renewable energy, demands recycled stock for all its print jobs, will increasingly require its suppliers to have "green" credentials and is working with Zero Waste SA to develop guidelines to minimise waste at public events. An Environmental Committee, reporting directly to Mr Gilbert, continually looks at ways to minimise waste and ensure environmental best practice.
Mr Gilbert said the Centre would soon be establishing a worm farm and was exploring ways of reducing the carbon footprint of delegates flying to Adelaide for their conferences.
Media inquiries: Jodie van Deventer, Deventer PR & Communications, on 0427 408 588 or jodie@deventer.com.au
