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| Environment |
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Do you know what the average environmental impact of a convention delegate is?
The average delegate produces 27.6 kg (61 lbs) of solid waste, uses 3202 litres (846 gallons) of water and produces 643.6 kg (1429 lbs) of greenhouse gas emissions. (Source: Green Meeting Industry Council, 2008)
If you find these figures surprising, you are ready to consider the Palais’ green event planning solutions.
Changing the course of events
Green, zero waste or carbon neutral? There are several ways to integrate green options in the event planning process. Which is best? At the Palais des congrès de Montréal, our motto is “every action counts.” That is why we have designed scalable solutions to enable you to go green at your own pace.
The Palais uses a personalized approach to guiding event organizers through the green planning process. Our “À la carte” services make it possible for you to curb your event’s environmental footprint in a way that reflects your actual needs and how green you can go.
The Palais’ green event planning process is inspired by best sustainable development practices, and is outlined in our Organizing a Green Event Guide. Take a moment to browse it. We have a proven track record and today some of our major events serve as models of green planning, e.g. the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (2005), the Meeting Planners International World Education Congress (2007), and the annual RONA Spring Show (2008).
Approximately 10% of the events held at the Palais in 2007-2008 included green practices.
Organizing a green event
Widely recognized for our green facilities
Known as an environmental performance leader, the Palais adopts green practices that have a favourable impact on several aspects of its operations, e.g. reducing water use, recycling (paper, wood, glass, metal, plastic, as well as bulky items such as plaster and carpeting), using eco-friendly construction materials, and managing hazardous waste and ozone depleting substances. These practices are governed by an environmental building management policy.
In addition, the Palais carries out regular maintenance of its heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and gives priority to green certified and biodegradable products for housekeeping use.
These and other efforts have earned our convention centre numerous environmental awards and honours:
- 2005: BOMA Québec BESt certification
- 2006: Énergia award (recommissioning category) from the AQME Québec association for power management
- 2008: Membership in the Hydro-Québec Energy Savers' Circle, which groups together large corporations recognized for their leadership and outstanding performance in the field of energy efficiency
- 2009: BOMA BESt Level 3 certification
In accordance with the Sustainable Development Act, the Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal released its Sustainability Action Plan for 2008-2010, outlining the sustainability steps the organization will take between now and 2010. (It is available in French only).
Playing a major role in geotourism and in the community
The Palais understands the special role it plays in the community and is doing its part to change the course of events. It is an active member of the Green Committee set up by the Montréal tourism industry and firmly believes in the benefits of geotourism, i.e. promoting Montréal as green while continuing to curb the environmental footprint of the city’s tourism activities. Not surprisingly, Montréal is the world’s first major city to sign the National Geographic Society’s Geotourism Charter. While the Palais is also supporting efforts to develop green meeting standards for Québec.
Other examples of how deeply the Palais values its social responsibility include its ongoing work with its partners to introduce a variety of initiatives for the Montréal community, such as a goodwill program promoting the reuse by community organizations of items and materials unused during events, donating untouched surplus food to homeless shelters, and requiring employees to perform community work for one day.
On foot, by bus or metro
The Palais is located right in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible on foot or by using public transit. The Place d’Armes metro station is next door, and buses 14, 55 and 129 take you right to the Palais’ front door.
Think about encouraging your guests and staff to use public transit, or to walk to the Palais. Montréal on foot is a wonderful sight… |
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