Colorado Sustainability Guide

Whenever, wherever we gather - whether it is for a reception, a festival, a meeting or a convention - we have opportunities to make a positive difference for the environment. Event planners are the central figures in any event, affecting the choices and experiences of a constellation of suppliers, facilities, caterers, sponsors and attendees. This Colorado Sustainable Events Guide was designed for hosts and planners to help lessen negative impacts on the environment and make a positive contribution to the community and the planet.

The content of this guide is drawn from best practices researched and the experience gained by the local Denver Greening Initiative of the 2008 Democratic National Convention. It features ideas and case studies to get any event planner, in any city started in terms of providing green leadership, selecting green event locations, reducing waste and recovering resources, minimizing energy use and contributions to greenhouse gases, moving away
participants. This guide also includes helpful resources and case studies unique to Colorado from small, medium, and large events, both indoor and outdoor.

Greening is about progress, not perfection. Sustainability does not happen with one event. Start now and every subsequent decision and action will present opportunities for continuous improvement. Similarly, sustainable event design will evolve with the times and event planners will learn from experience and each other. We hope you will find this guide useful and that you will share the results of your efforts with your peers.

With respect for the work that you do and gratitude for your interest in sustainability,
Parry Burnap, Denver Director of Greening, Office of the Mayor & Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee & Members of the Denver 2008 Resource Recovery Team

http://www.cafr.org/pdf/SustainabilityGuide_FINAL.pdf

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