ICCB 2013 Program - Society for Conservation Biology

Eco-friendly Congress
ECO-FRIENDLY ICCB 2013
Large conferences usually mean a significant environmental impact. However, the Local Organizing Committee
has worked hard to minimize this impact. After all, we are the world’s leading conservation society.
Reducing our impact starts with our venue, the Baltimore. The center is committed to supporting “Green Initiatives”
both at the Center and throughout the community. Here are some of the initiatives at the center:
Energy
• Recycle paper, plastic, bottles, and cans.
• Exterior glass and skylights allow for the use of natural light to reduce electricity costs.
• Photo sensors in the public lobbies reduce the need for artificial light.
• Lighting and motion sensors in meeting rooms reduce the need of artificial light.
• Meeting room tables are made from 30% recycled products.
Catering
• China service is utilized to help reduce waste.
• Reusable service equipment is used on buffets and break stations.
• “Farm-to-Table” program buys locally, whenever possible, thereby conserving energy and creating less pollution
when foods travel fewer miles to reach the.
• Coffee stirrers along with beverage cups and sleeves are made of recycled materials, all of which are biodegradable.
Plates, spoons, forks, and knives all are made of recycled plastics.
Waste Reduction
• Solid Waste Reduction System, SOMAT, reduces solid catering waste by 90%.
• SOMAT transforms reduced solid waste into a soil amendment product that is in turn used for the upkeep of
the grounds and flower-beds.
• Currently the system has transformed over 18,000 pounds of waste into slightly over 2,000 lbs of usable soil
product.
• 60-65% of cleaning chemicals are Green Seal Eco-friendly certified.
• Active ion system is currently in use for hard, solid surfaces. This system transforms tap water into a product
that cleans 99.9% of bacteria.
Current Projects
• The outside terrace has been converted into a green roof.
ECO-FRIENdly Initiatives By the Local Organizing Committee
• Since many of us have a large number of bags from previous conferences, we try to follow the lead set by the
25 th ICCB asking delegates to bring their own bag, and if they have extras, to donate them to other attendees.
• Again, following what was done at the previous ICCB, to reduce the amount of paper used, we are only
printing hard copies of the program for those who order it in advance.
• Abstracts will not be printed but will be given, to all delegates on a USB stick and will also be available online.
• All food served at the ICCB is sustainable, local, and/or organic sources whenever possible.
And, of course, if you wish to fuRTher reduce your impact, you can donate to
SCB’s Carbon Offset Program!
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