ECO

Report Card
V 1.2

A definitive way to record the environmental impact of events

Contents
1

Designed for the 2009 International Congress of Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), held at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Making a difference through measurement Use and purpose of the ECO Report Card Interpreting an event score

The meeting and events industry is the one of the most

wasteful industries, second

only to construction.
- United States Environmental Protection Agency

Making a difference through measurement

Using a tool that allows event planners and organizers to track various stages of an event is critical for a thorough understanding of an events environmental impact. The ECO Report Card was originally envisioned as a means to document the environmental impact of an event, as there are currently few instruments available that have this capability. Throughout development, the ECO Report Card has also grown into a resource to accompany the Sustainable Event Planning Guide from event conception to completion. The ECO Report Card gives event organizers the capacity and tools to evaluate environmental impacts of event without external assistance, thus making this an autonomous instrument.

Why Measure Environmental Impacts?

The average conference delegate produces 2 large garbage bags of trash over a three-day conference

Waste Reduction
We need to take steps to reduce the enormous volume of waste produced every day our society cannot continue producing waste at the same pace, and our earth cannot sustain it.

equivalent to 9 kilograms per day.

- United States Environmental Protection Agency

Energy Use
The energy required for transporting guests to an

The average meal travels approximately 2,414 kilometers before it reaches your table.
-Alive Magazine

event is an incredibly large contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Food transport also takes a large amount of fuel. With the continually amplifying crisis of climate change, conserving energy is of great concern.

Environmental Conservation
In the past three decades, one-

third of the worlds natural resources have been consumed.

- Annie Leonard (The Story of Stuff)

Managing resources sustainably is imperative as stocks of resources continue to deplete. There is also the looming threat of irreversible environmental degradation.

Use and purpose of the ECO Report Card

By design, the ECO Report Card is meant to be simplistic. Information should be simple to obtain for each category, or assessment item, and the descriptions of each level of compliance are easy-to-understand.

Design
Rather than creating simple yes and no questions, the various components of the ECO Report Card strive to encourage environmentally conscious behaviours throughout all aspects of the event. By achieving a high level of compliance for a given assessment item, the event is seen as leadingedge. In this manner, the ECO Report Card promotes sustainable thinking and comprehensive practices.

Purpose
As a quantitative assessment tool, the ECO Report Card has an advantage over common qualitative methods. By gaining the ability to selfassess and compare year-toyear scores, environmental impacts can be documented for future comparison. Event organizers can use this tool to measure how an event incorporates sustainability into all stages of the event planning, the event itself, and wrap up.

Use
Event organizers should be able to obtain all of the information necessary for completing the ECO Report Card by communicating with the event venues representatives and organization team. The ECO Report Card would ideally be revisited at each stage of the event in order to collect all necessary information. Once this information is collected, a full report can be completed by the Eco-Advisor.

Interpreting an event score

Scoring Overview
The scoring system has been developed based on several criteria. The nature of the action, either direct (an action that produces results) or indirect (an action that speaks to potential results) is foremost in determining score. Next, the scope of the event affected is considered, as well as whether or not the action can be left as a legacy for the next annual event (if applicable) or other events of the same nature. Finally, a public outreach action is deemed to be deserving of the highest score, as educating others about how typical actions can be modified to be environmentally sensitive. Scoring To determine the score of the ECO Report Card, simply input the compliance levels achieved into each category of the attached Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, by following the instructions within the spreadsheet. File the event score, and ensure that the information is made available for future events. Take note of the lowest scoring items and plan to make improvements in the future. Scoring Methodology For each assessment item, there are a number of criteria required in order to achieve the highest level of environmental sustainability for that action. If all components of the action are completed to a certain compliance level (high, medium high, medium low, or low), the full level of points is awarded for that category. However, there will be many cases in which all compliance criterions will not be entirely fulfilled for a certain level. In this case, the level that has been completely reached will be used as the base value. For each aspect that is over and above the base level of compliance, an additional point will be awarded.

The ECO Report Card incorporates three measurement categories:

1) Event Practices 2) Hotel Practices 3) Delegate/Attendee Behaviours

This report is designed to be a useful tool for event planners and delegates alike. We would appreciate your feedback, questions, concerns and suggestions.

Thank you for taking care of your environment. If you need to print this document, please print double-sided on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.

9797 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5J 1N9

For more information, contact: Yvette Thompson, Eco-Advisor Shaw Conference Centre (YThompson@[Link]) Cliff Higuchi, Assistant General Manager Shaw Conference Centre (CHiguchi@[Link])

1. General Event Practices Assessment Item Action Level of Compliance Scoring Why score?

[H] Statement is focused on sustainability as primary goal. 1.1 Mission Statement Event mission statement or overarching aim includes sustainability/environmental stewardship themes. [MH] Statement mentions sustainability as a subsidiary goal. [ML] Statement very briefly mentions sustainability, yet is not a clear focus. [L] Statement does not have sustainability theme.

(II) [H] 6 [MH] 4 [ML] 2 [L] 0

- Mission statement does not directly relate to action, however the statement is overarching and embodies entirety of event.

[H] Virtually no information is distributed in hardcopy during the planning process. Electronic registration is utilized, and information about all event activities is available online. Communication throughout planning process and event itself is largely electronic to minimize paper waste (eg. printed documents, agendas, minutes, etc.). Electronic registration is utilized. [MH] Most planning communication is done electronically. Electronic registration is utilized where possible and information about all event activities is available online. [ML] Some planning communication is done electronically. Electronic registration is not available for attendees, yet basic information about event activities is available online. [L] Little consideration of paper waste minimization during the planning process. Electronic registration is not available, and event activities are not updated or available online.

(IV) [H] 12 [MH] 8 [ML] 4 [L] 0

- Reducing the amount of paper waste and going electronic is a legacy opportunity, and fewer sheets of paper (with more information available online) provides an opportunity for public education.

1.2 Information Distribution

ECO Report Card - Event practices - scoring action and compliance descriptions

Assessment Item

Action

Level of Compliance

Scoring

Why score?

1.3 Green Power

The event is powered by alternative renewable energy sources rather than conventional nonrenewable sources (eg. oil, natural gas, etc.).

[H] Yes, the event utilizes renewable energy sources for the entire facility through a third-party provider (eg. Bullfrog). [L] No, the event does not utilize renewable energy sources.

(V) [H] 15 [L] 0

- The use of green power affects the majority of the event, and is a direct action.

1.4 Website Information

Event utilizes website to discuss sustainability initiatives, green focus to event, or other important environmental considerations. Website makes mention of any community contributions from the event.

[H] Event website makes explicit mention of the environmental initiatives and/or focus of the event. Environmental initiatives are easy to locate on the website (integrated onto multiple pages or as a large stand-alone section), and an extensive discussion ensues. [MH] Event website makes explicit mention of the environmental initiatives and/or focus of the event, however discussion is not a large component of the site. [ML] Event briefly website mentions the environmental initiatives and/or focus of the event, however content is difficult to find. [L] There is no mention of event environmental initiatives on the website.

- Event website is main method of communication with many delegates/attendees, and thus the information on website is an educational opportunity.

(IV) [H] 12 [MH] 8 [ML] 4 [L] 0

ECO Report Card - Event practices - scoring action and compliance descriptions

Assessment Item

Action

Level of Compliance

Scoring

Why score?

1.5 Advisory Committee

Event has an individual or committee in place to deal exclusively with ensuring the event is environmentally sound. Whether or not there is a committee or an individual will fluctuate with the size and duration of the event.

[H] There is an environmental committee/advisor in place for the event. [L] No environmental committee/advisor is utilized.

(II) [H] 6 [L] 0

- Using an environmental committee or advisor suggests that the event will be more eco-friendly, yet this is not a direct action.

[H] Yes, the event location is certified at the highest level of the given scale (eg. LEED Platinum, BOMA BESt Level 4). Main event location is certified through a third-party sustainability certification process (eg. BOMA, LEED, etc.) [MH] Yes, the event location is certified at a midlevel of the given scale (eg. LEED Gold or Silver, BOMA BESt Level 2 or 3). [ML] Yes, the event location is certified at the lowest level of the given scale (eg. LEED Certified, BOMA BESt Level 1). [L] No, the event location does not have certification. (II) [H] 6 [MH] 4 [ML] 2 [L] 0

- Is not a direct action for the event. - Main event location will have more than 50% of the events activities.

1.6 Location Certification

ECO Report Card - Event practices - scoring action and compliance descriptions

Assessment Item

Action

Level of Compliance

Scoring

Why score?

[H] Strict green purchasing policy; all suppliers and vendors are made explicitly aware of policy at onset of partnership. Event promotes the use of environmentally friendly products (ideally locally produced), as well as locally grown, organic, low polluting products to suppliers and vendors. This could be captured in a green purchasing policy. [MH] Green purchasing policy in place, although is abstract and rudimentary. Major suppliers are made aware sometime during event planning. [ML] Green purchasing policy is discussed, yet is not explicitly documented. Casual mention to suppliers or vendors. [L] No green purchasing policy; few (if any) suppliers or vendors are made aware of environmentally friendly purchasing options. (II) [H] 6 [MH] 4 [ML] 2 [L] 0

1.7 Green Purchasing Policy

- Green purchasing policy may be a legacy concept, however the actually policy will likely be manipulated significantly depending on budgets, event type, etc. - Is an indirect action (does not explicitly bring an environmental change).

[H] Delegates are not provided with any free materials. [MH] Delegates are provided with some free materials, however more than 75% of products used as giveaways are eco-friendly. [ML] Delegates are provided with free materials, and 25% to 75% of products used as giveaways are eco-friendly. [L] Delegates are provided with free materials, and less than 25% of products used as giveaways are eco-friendly. (IV) [H] 12 [MH] 8 [ML] 4 [L] 0

- Completely reducing or using eco-friendly products is a major step in reducing environmental impact. - The use of environmentally friendly products will affect a large section of the event (if the compliance level is medium or high).

1.8 Delegate Giveaways

Delegate giveaways (bags, kits, etc.) are minimized or eradicated. Eco-friendly goods are used for any delegate giveaways.

ECO Report Card - Event practices - scoring action and compliance descriptions

Assessment Item

Action

Level of Compliance

Scoring

Why score?

1.9 Community Support

Three components of community support: 1) Event supports sustainability-related projects by way of funding or volunteer time. 2) Event offers free or low-cost opportunities for students. 3) Event contributes to economic sustainability of the local area; leaves economic/environme ntal legacy.

[H] Event achieves all three community support components. These components are a major feature of the event, and are advertised to the general public. [MH] Event achieves two of the three community support components. These components are not publicized. [ML] Event achives one of the three community support components. These components are not publicized. [L] Event does not offer nor achieve any of the community support components. (V) [H] 15 [MH] 10 [ML] 5 [L] 0

- Related to action and focus of the event. - Making a contribution (monetary or temporal) demonstrates community stewardship, increases environmental education, and is legacy action.

1.10 Nametag Recycling

Nametags are collected from delegates/attendees during the event with the intention of being recycled. This information is made readily available to the delegates by advertisement directly on the nametags.

[H] All nametags are collected at the end of the event, and collection information is printed directly on the nametags. The nametags utilized are previously planned to be reused at a future conference (which has been discussed by organizers). [MH] Nametags are collected at the end of the event in a designated container. Delegates are made aware of this information in event literature. [ML] Nametags are collected at the end of the event in an impromptu manner. [L] Nametags are not collected or recycled.

(III) [H] 9 [MH] 6 [ML] 3 [L] 0

- Determining what to do with a common product of events will lead to legacy for future events, and inform attendees of more environmentally friendly possibilities.

ECO Report Card - Event practices - scoring action and compliance descriptions

Assessment Item

Action

Level of Compliance

Scoring

Why score?

1.11 Recycled/Sustainable Paper Products

All paper products used during event (and in the planning process, ideally) are made with over 30% post-consumer recycled content, sustainable substitutes (such as bamboo fiber, hemp, grain-based, etc.), or certified by a third party, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

[H] All paper (99%) used is either recycled (over 30%), a sustainable substitute, or third party certified. [MH] 75%-99% of paper used is post-consumer recycled, a sustainable substitute, or third party certified. [ML] 25-75% of paper used is post-consumer recycled, a sustainable substitute, or third party certified. [L] Less than 25% of paper used is postconsumer recycled, a sustainable substitute, or third party certified. (III) [H] 9 [MH] 6 [ML] 3 [L] 0 - By using environmentally friendly forest products (ie. paper), many portions of the event will have reduced impact.

1.12 Training

Volunteers and/or staff members are trained on the environmental components of the event and importance of environmentally-friendly behaviours and actions.

[H] Volunteers and/or staff are trained or debriefed on the environmental initiatives and are encouraged to share the information with the public. [L] Volunteers and/or staff are not made aware of environmental initiatives.

(IV) [H] 12 [L] 0

- Volunteers and staff convey information to delegates/attendees, and thus facilitate environmental education.

ECO Report Card - Event practices - scoring action and compliance descriptions

Assessment Item

Action

Level of Compliance

Scoring

Why score?

[H] Exhibitors or other parties that would regularly give away materials are strongly discouraged from doing so prior to the event and again at the event through banning unnecessary giveaways. If handouts are non-negotiable, the majority (>50%) are ecofriendly products, and less than 50% of exhibitors are giving out products. Exhibitor handouts are minimized or banned. If they must be given out, handouts, giveaways, etc. are made from eco-friendly products. [MH] Exhibitors, etc. are discouraged from handing out materials prior to the event multiple times, however are not enforced. Some handouts are eco-friendly products (<50% but more than 25%), yet more than 50% (but less than 75%) of exhibitors are handing out products. [ML] Exhibitors, etc. are discouraged from handing out materials, yet this is only briefly mentioned before the event. Most (75% or more) of exhibitors are giving away products, and few giveaways are eco-friendly (<25%). [L] There is no mention of reducing handouts and giveaways by the event coordinators. (IV) [H] 12 [MH] 8 [ML] 4 [L] 0

- Giveaways create a huge amount of waste, and discouraging this may get exhibitors to discuss this with delegates/attendees. - This is a direct action.

1.13 Exhibitor Giveaways

ECO Report Card - Event practices - scoring action and compliance descriptions

2. Waste Reduction Practices Assessment Item Action Level of Compliance [H] A zero-waste policy has been created and is shared with all suppliers, vendors, attendees and location staff. This policy includes monitoring procedures as well. Event/location has a formal food recovery program in place. [MH] A zero-waste concept has been discussed and is shared with most suppliers, vendors, attendees and location staff. Event/location has a informal food recovery program in place. [ML] The event organizers have mentioned minimizing waste in literature for suppliers, vendors staff and/or attendees, however a policy has not been created. Event/location does not have a food recovery program in place. [L] The event makes no mention of waste minimization or zero-waste. Event/location does not have a food recovery program in place. - Waste minimization policies affects the entire event yet do not necessarily result in direct action. - Diverting trash from the waste stream leads to a significantly decreased impact on landfills. Scoring Why score?

2.1 Waste Reduction Policy

Event is committed to minimizing waste and has potentially placed a zerowaste policy into effect. Event/location employs a food recovery or food recycling program.

(II) [H] 6 [MH] 4 [ML] 2 [L] 0

2.2 Waste Audit / Diversion Rate

What is the waste diversion rate from the conventional landfill stream?

Weigh all materials leaving the facility (recycling, compost and garbage). Use the accompanying spreadsheet to calculate the diversion rate for the entire event. See spreadsheet Event Practices.

Metric value

ECO Report Card - Event practices - scoring action and compliance descriptions

3. Unscored Practices Assessment Item Action Level of Compliance Scoring Why score?

3.1 Local/Green Suppliers

Event utilizes environmentally conscious local suppliers that take personal business actions to minimize environmental impact.

List the suppliers utilized along with the respective environmental initiatives. This will give comparative anecdotal evidence of the environmental impact of this event.

Notes

- By utilizing local and and environmentally friendly suppliers, the event supports the green economy and local producers.

3.2 Local Foods

The event menu utilizes local food whenever possible.

Indicate which foods are bought from local suppliers, how each was used in meal preparation, and the approximate percentage composition of local food utilized during the event.

Notes and Percentage

- Local foods require significantly less transport and therefore have a reduced environmental impact.

ECO Report Card - Event practices - scoring action and compliance descriptions

4. Delegate Behaviours Assessment Item Action Ask the delegates: The delegate/attendee does not consume any bottled water over the duration of the event, choosing to drink tap water of equal or better quality and safety standards instead. Have you consumed any bottled water (instead of tap water) during this event? (choose YES or NO) After gathering responses, enter the total number of yes responses and the total number of no responses into the accompanying spreadsheet to obtain percentages. This spreadsheet will also give environmental conversions of this information. To maximize the percentage of delegates that have not consumed bottled water by responding no. How to Score Goal Measurement justification

4.1 Bottled Water

- Bottled water is a major and often unnecessary source of waste, as many cities have water treatment systems that allow tap water to surpass the quality of bottled water.

Ask the delegates: How did you get to (enter city name here)? (specify plane, car, bus, etc.) Did you share a cab or take the airport shuttle to your hotel? (choose YES or NO) After gathering responses, add the total number of similar answers (ie. plane and by air) and enter the information into the accompanying spreadsheet. Also enter the total number of yes responses and the total number of no responses into the accompanying spreadsheet to obtain percentages. - Transportation to the conference is often the largest source of carbon emissions. By sharing transportation from the airport, one can split his/her carbon emissions (from the vehicle ride) by half or more.

4.2 Transportation to Conference

The delegate/attendee chose a transportation method with less environmental impact if possible (bus, etc). The delegate/attendee chose to share a cab or take the airport shuttle to the hotel.

To maximize the percentage of delegates that shared a cab or took the airport shuttle to the hotel by responding yes.

ECO Report Card Delegate/Attendee behaviours scoring action and compliance descriptions

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Assessment Item

Action

How to Score

Goal

Measurement justification

Ask the delegates: The delegate/attendee chose to utilize public transportation or human power (walking, biking) rather than driving a vehicle during the event. Did you use public transportation during this event (bus, train), ride a bicycle or walk instead of driving or taking a taxi? (choose YES or NO) After gathering responses, enter the total number of yes responses and the total number of no responses into the accompanying spreadsheet to obtain percentages.

4.3 Transportation during Conference

To maximize the percentage of delegates that used more environmentally friendly transportation methods during the event by responding yes.

- Using public transportation and human powered transportation methods enhances the experience of the delegate by seeing more of the host city, while being more environmentally friendly substitutes.

Ask the delegates: Did you dine in any local restaurants with local cuisine? If yes, how many times did you visit and dine in local eateries? (choose YES or NO; indicate a number) The delegate/attendee chose to indulge in local eateries rather than chain restaurants for any nonorganized meals during the event. After gathering responses, enter the total number of yes responses and the total number of no responses into the accompanying spreadsheet to obtain percentages. Add up the total number of visits to local eateries as well, which can be synthesized as per delegate as well as an aggregate value (Delegates dined in local eateries on average ___ times, for a total of ___visits.).

4.4 Eating Local

To maximize the number delegates that dined at local restaurants (responded yes), as well as the number of times that delegates visited local eateries.

- Eating in local restaurants supports the local economy (restaurant, farmers, etc.) and has less environmental impact (less transport, often organic, etc.).

ECO Report Card Delegate/Attendee behaviours scoring action and compliance descriptions

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5. Hotel Guest Experience Assessment Item Action Level of Compliance [H] Hotel offers both common area and in-room recycling for guests, for multiple items that are recyclable in the municipality. This includes basic recyclables (paper, beverage containers, plastic containers, cans) and other items. The hotel offers several recycling facilities for guests, ideally common area recycling as well as inroom recycling. [MH] Hotel offers both common area and inroom recycling for guests, however facilities are limited and only accept a few items (paper and/or beverage containers). [ML] Hotel offers common area recycling for guests only (no in-room), which is limited (ie. only paper and/or beverage containers). [L] Hotel does not offer recycling facilities to guests. [H] Hotel utilizes only electronic checkout (emailing guests the receipt) as default, stores all files electronically, and generally follows a paperless checkout system. Hotel offers an electronic or paperless checkout service for all guests. It possible, all checkout records are stored electronically rather than as printed files. [MH] Hotel utilizes electronic checkout for guests as an option (although paper receipts are still default). Most files are stored electronically however some files are kept in hard copy. [ML] Hotel utilizes electronic checkout upon request, however keeps checkout files in hardcopy. [L] Hotel does not offer electronic checkout. (II) [H] 6 [MH] 4 [ML] 2 [L] 0 (II) [H] 6 [MH] 4 [ML] 2 [L] 0 - Recycling is important, however ensuring that this waste is diverted is up to the hotel and hotel staff. - A visual reminder to recycle throughout the hotel is an educational opportunity for guests. Scoring Point justification

5.1 Recycling

5.2 Paperless Checkout Service

ECO Report Card Hotel practices scoring action and compliance descriptions

12

Assessment Item

Action

Level of Compliance

Scoring

Point justification

[H] Signage is displayed in high traffic areas, and there are multiple signs to indicate the hotels environmental initiatives. Literature is available in-room as well that speaks to environmental concerns, and describes what the guest can do to make less environmental impact (ie. turn off faucets, turn off lights). Signage and information is included in guest rooms and throughout hotel that encourage energy conservation, recycling, and environmentally sustainable practices. This information also describes hotel environmental initiatives. [MH] Signage is displayed in high traffic areas, however information provided is very basic regarding either general environmental conservation or hotel initiatives. Literature is available in-room that is very similar to the signage. [ML] Either of signage or in-room information is available, however is limited and without applicability to the hotel guest (no direct information for what the guest will experience [eg. discusses hotel back-ofhouse upgrades only]). [L] No signage or information is available in the common areas or guest rooms regarding environmental initiatives/conservation.

- Education program is crucial to success of the environmental program. (II) [H] 6 [MH] 4 [ML] 2 [L] 0

5.3 Guest Education

ECO Report Card Hotel practices scoring action and compliance descriptions

13

Assessment Item

Action

Level of Compliance

Scoring

Point justification

5.4 Newspaper Delivery

Guests are given the option to refuse newspaper delivery, which is clearly displayed. An alternative may be to provide computer stations with local and national newspapers displayed on screen in the lobby or common area.

[H] Guests are made aware of the option to receive newspapers at check in, and information about this option is available in-room as well. Computer stations in the common area have local/national newspapers displayed electronically on screen. [MH] Guests have the option of opting-out of newspaper delivery, however it is not advertised. Computer stations are available, however utilizing these sources for retrieving daily news electronically is not advertised. [ML] Guests have the option of opting-out of newspaper delivery, however it is not advertised. There are no computer stations available. [L] Guests do not have the option of opting-out of newspaper delivery. (II) [H] 6 [MH] 4 [ML] 2 [L] 0

ECO Report Card Hotel practices scoring action and compliance descriptions

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6. Internal Operations Assessment Item Action Level of Compliance [H] Yes, the hotel is certified at the highest level of the given scale (eg. 5 Green Keys). 6.1 Third Party Certification Hotel qualifies for, and has received, a third party environmental certification (eg. Hotel Association of Canadas Green Key Program). [MH] Yes, the hotel is certified at a mid-level of the given scale (eg. 3-4 Green Keys). [ML] Yes, the hotel is certified at the lowest level of the given scale (eg. 1-2 Green Keys). [L] No, the hotel does not have certification. (II) [H] 6 [MH] 4 [ML] 2 [L] 0 Scoring Point justification

[H] Energy conserving lightbulbs are used throughout the hotel (in every guestroom, all common areas and all back-of-house areas). Also motion sensor fixtures and several other electronics are implemented to increase energy efficiency. Hotel employs energy conservation measures whenever appropriate. CFL light bulbs, motion sensor fixtures, etc. are utilized (in appropriate situations). [MH] Energy conserving lightbulbs are used throughout the hotel (in every guestroom and in all common areas). No other energy conservation measures are taken. [ML] Energy conserving lightbulbs are used in more than 75% of all guest rooms or in all of the common areas of the hotel. No other energy conservation measures are taken. [L] Energy conserving lightbulbs are used in less than 75% of guest rooms or less that 75% of all common areas of the hotel. No other energy conservation measures are taken. - Important to consider the environmental ramifications of energy use within the hotel.

6.2 Energy Conservation

(II) [H] 6 [MH] 4 [ML] 2 [L] 0

ECO Report Card Hotel practices scoring action and compliance descriptions

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Assessment Item

Action

Level of Compliance

Scoring

Point justification

[H] Hotel reuses or donates at least 95% of unused single use items. Staff do not replace partially used items daily in each guest room unless requested by guest, nor do they replace unused items at the termination of each stay automatically (unless unsanitary). Partially used items are donated (eg. soap bars) if possible, and left over items (out-of-season stock etc.) are donated as well. [MH] Hotel reuses or donates at least 75% of unused single use items. Staff do not replace partially used items daily in each guest room unless requested by guest, however do change all unused items at the termination of each stay. Hotel donates left over items (out-of-season stock etc.) to charity. [ML] Hotel reuses or donates at least 50% of unused single use items. Staff replaces partially used items daily in each guest room and change all unused items at the termination of each stay. Hotel donates left over items (out-of-season stock etc.) to charity. [L] Hotel reuses or donates less than 50% of unused single use items. Staff replaces partially used items daily in each guest room and change all unused items at the termination of each stay.

6.3 Single Use Items

Hotel reuses single use hotel guest room items not used by previous guests (in sanitary situations). If this is not appropriate, unused toiletries are donated or recycled.

(II) [H] 6 [MH] 4 [ML] 2 [L] 0

ECO Report Card Hotel practices scoring action and compliance descriptions

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Assessment Item

Action

Level of Compliance

Scoring

Point justification

[H] Staff is explicitly trained to promote and exemplify conservation measures through actions at the hotel. An environmental incentive program is in place for staff members to ensure conservation is prioritized, and staff members are aware of the various environmental initiatives in place at the hotel. Staff is trained on the importance of conservation, and incentives are in place to ensure that programs are followed through. [MH] Staff is trained to follow through on environmental initiatives within the hotel, and an incentive program is implemented to address conservation measures made by employees. [ML] Staff is made aware of some environmental initiatives at the hotel through various literature or employee handbooks, however this is not explicitly mentioned during formal training. [L] There is no mention of environmental initiatives to the staff, and they are not encouraged to take any environmental steps. (III) [H] 9 [MH] 6 [ML] 3 [L] 0

6.4 Staff Training

- By educating the staff, the initiatives attempted by the hotel are more likely to be followed through, and also patrons may be more apt to take notice of these environmental steps.

ECO Report Card Hotel practices scoring action and compliance descriptions

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7. Environmental Service Option for Guests Assessment Item Action Level of Compliance Scoring Point justification

[H] The hotel offers an environmental service option, and promotes program by signage and website information. Guests are given information about the program upon arrival by front desk staff. 7.1 Environmental Service Option The hotel allows the guest to choose an eco-service option. This option takes more steps to sustainability than conventional service standard. [MH] The hotel offers an environmental service option, however it is not well promoted. Guests are made aware of what the service entails. [ML] The hotel offers an environmental service option, however it is not promoted. Guests are not told about the difference in services offered. [L] The hotel does not offer an environmental service option.

(II) [H] 6 [MH] 4 [ML] 2 [L] 0 Also indicate the number of guests that received eco service in each hotel (see worksheet).

- Environmental service option may be an incentive to hoteliers to increase business.

ECO Report Card Hotel practices scoring action and compliance descriptions

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ECO Report Card - Summary of Results

Event Name: Date: # of Attendees: Event Practices
Score Waste Diversion Rate - Waste per Delegate - Diversion per Delegate Highest Points Achieved: 63.0% 75.8% 7.86 5.95 15

SAMPLE EVENT #1 May 26, 2009 420

Hotel Practices
Score 57.9%

Delegate Behaviours
33.3% of delegates did not drink bottled water during the event.
*(By not producing water bottles for these delegates, there would be ~ 70 litres of petroleum not utilized during the conference, as well as around 840 litres of water avoided, assuming 2 water bottles per delegate!)

35.7% of delegates took an environmentally friendly method of transportation to the event. 23.8% of delegates used environmentally friendly methods of transportation during the event. 83.3% of delegates dined in local resturants. In fact, at least 42.9% of these individuals dined locally more than once!

ECO Report Card - Event Practices Calculation

Event Name: Date: # of Attendees: SAMPLE EVENT #1 May 26, 2009 420

General Event Practices

Calculations [MH] [ML] [H] [L]

Level Achieved 1.1 Mission Statement 1.2 Information Distribution 1.3 Green Power 1.4 Website Information 1.5 Advisory Committee 1.6 Location Certification 1.7 Green Purchasing Policy 1.8 Delegate Giveaways 1.9 Community Support 1.10 Nametag Recycling 1.11 Recycled/Sustainable Paper Products 1.12 Training 1.13 Exhibitor Giveaways Medium High High Yes Medium High No Medium High Medium High Low Medium Low High Medium Low Yes Medium High

Points 4 12 15 8 0 4 4 0 5 9 6 12 8

0 12 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 12 0

4 0

0 0

0 0 0

0 0

4 4 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 5 0 6

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Waste Reduction Practices

2.1 Waste Reduction Policy 2.2 Waste Audit / Diversion Rate - Waste per Delegate - Diversion per Delegate 75.8% 7.9 6.0 kg kg 0 0 0 0 0

Unscored Practices
3.1 Local/Green Suppliers Name Green Initiative
Have used kitchen oil fueled vehicles; train staff to speak to environmental initiatives

3.2 Local Foods Usage Food Types % of Local Food

Company X

Asparagus

As vegetable for dinner on second evening (Saturday)

25%

Company Y

Purchase local raw materials (from Redwater)

High Medium High Medium Low Low

Total Points out of possible Score

87 138 63.0% 75.8%

Yes

Waste Diversion Rate

Waste Diversion
Total Composted Total Recycled Total Waste (Landfilled) Overall Waste Number of Delegates

Enter total amount below (kg)

1000 1500 800

3300 420
Total Event

Diversion Rate - Compost Diversion Rate - Recycle Diversion Rate - Waste Landfilled

75.8% 30.3% 45.5% 24.2%

ECO Report Card - Delegate Behaviours Calculation

4.1 Bottled Water Have you consumed any bottled water (instead of tap water) during this event? YES NO 280 140 66.7% 33.3%

4.2 Transportation to Conference How did you get to (enter city name here)? PLANE (by air) CAR (drove) BUS (rode a bus) LOCAL RESIDENT OTHER 100 150 50 100 20 23.8% 35.7% 11.9% 23.8% 4.8% Did you share a cab or take the airport shuttle to your hotel? YES NO 35 65 35.0% 65.0%

4.3 Transportation during Conference Did you use public transportation during this event (bus,train), ride a bicycle or walk instead of driving or taking a taxi? YES NO 100 320 23.8% 76.2%

4.4 Eating Local Did you dine in any local restaurants with local cuisine? YES NO 350 70 83.3% 16.7% If yes, how many times did you visit and dine in local eateries? 1 2-3 4-5 more than 5
200 100 40 10

57.1% 28.6% 11.4% 2.9%

ECO Report Card - Hotel Practices Calculation

# of nights:
Recommended Hotels: 2 # of delegates # of Eco-Service Delegate nights

SAMPLE HOTEL #1 SAMPLE HOTEL #2 SAMPLE HOTEL #3

200 80 40

150 65 35

400 160 80 0 0 0 0

Total: Total number of delegates staying in recommended hotels: Total number of delegate nights in recommended hotels: Percent of delegates staying in recommended hotels: 320 640 76.2%

250

Hotel Practices
Calculations [MH] [ML] [H] [L]

Level Achieved 5.1 Recycling 5.2 Paperless Checkout Service 5.3 Guest Education 5.4 Newspaper Delivery Medium High Medium High Medium High Medium Low

Points 4 4 4 2

0 0 0 0

4 4 4 0

0 0 0 2

0 0 0 0

6.1 Third Party Certification 6.2 Energy Conservation 6.3 Single Use Items 6.4 Staff Training

High Medium High Medium Low Medium Low

6 0 0 0

0 4 0 0

0 0 2 3

0 0 0 0

6 4 2 3

7.1 Environmental Service Option - Percent of guests using Environmental Service

Medium High 78.1%

High Medium High Medium Low Low

Total Points out of possible Score

1

33 57 57.9%