Vision of a "green event"
The vision of a green event is to reduce the consumption of natural resources, avoid damage to the local and global environment, protect biodiversity and human health, reduce waste to a minimum, take ecological, social and economic aspects into account for future-oriented city development and offer sustainable development options to the local people, their environment and economy. This last point is an essential part of the greening legacy and it highlights that there should be no negative impacts on local inhabitants. It is also important to realise that the greening of an event is an on-going and continuous process and not just an isolated once-off activity. It is crucial that event greening involves incorporating sustainable development principles into all levels of event organisation and implementation.
Benefits of a "green event"
Event hosting can be used as a medium for a host city to initiate sustainable development programmes which will have long-term local economic, social and environmental benefits. Greening an event also has direct financial cost savings for the various role players. This is mostly achieved by reducing energy and water costs (through reduction in use and efficient technology), encouraging waste separation and recycling (which contributes to the development of local recyclers, and stimulates local economies) and through purchasing local products.
These gatherings also provide unique opportunities to raise awareness around sustainable development issues and thus encourage people to change their perceptions and behaviour and make responsible decisions that can reduce the negative impact on the environment and society.
Greening the EcoProcura 2009
The objective of greening the EcoProcura 2009 conference is to ensure that the organisation and management of the event is planned and undertaken in such a way that it demonstrates best environmental practices, and makes a significant contribution to enabling sustainable development and local community benefits in Reykjavik. It is envisaged that through the greening process, negative environmental and social impacts will be minimised, that there will be an increased awareness regarding the importance of sustainable development in Reykjavik and that a positive greening legacy will be left behind.
As such, we encourage participants to limit their impact during their journey to and stay in Iceland. For some greening tips, please, refer to the 'Contribution Section'.
Climate Legacy
Each conference inevitably creates greenhouse gas emissions since participants must travel, and consumes natural resources during the event, such as electricity, paper, etc.
Therefore, a carbon emission offsetting payment is included in the participant fee.
The ICLEI Climate Legacy is an initiative that aims to reduce the environmental impacts of events, especially to compensate for travel related CO2 emissions. The money generated through the ICLEI Climate Legacy initiative will serve to finance CO2 reduction projects.