Growing Beyond Green Last year's theme, Growing Beyond Green, was just the beginning. This year, we're going even further by striving to reduce waste, maximize efficiency, and recycle at every opportunity. This means more than simply sorting waste and recycling paper. We've secured every available hotel room close to the convention center to minimize travel. We're encouraging attendees to use the T, Boston's rapid transit system. We've also worked to reduce packaging materials and paper from exhibitors. We no longer distribute session handouts--bring your laptop and enjoy the free WiFi throughout the building. We are absolutely committed to being as green as possible, and we hope you will help us achieve that goal during your visit in Boston and when you return home. Greening the AIA Convention   To raise awareness and do our part, the AIA has advanced many opportunities to incorporate environmentally sustainable principles into the planning and operation of the 2008 convention in Boston. These principles have been integrated into discussions with local leaders, vendors, hoteliers, convention center staff, and other service providers. Look behind the scenes and you’ll notice more positive changes in the way the exhibitors do business, how education sessions have gone “paperless,” and how the convention center operates. We are driven to reduce waste, maximize efficiency, and recycle at every opportunity. Your participation is encouraged, as well. For example, offset travel emission by participating in a carbon-balanced traveler program such as www.my-climate.com or www.greentagsusa.org, take public transportation or walk to the convention center, bring printouts of only the session handouts you need, and recycle your material in appropriate bins. There are many ways to support and participate, and your help is appreciated. The following action items are a sample of key efforts to be made during the convention. Reduce • Secure as many hotel rooms as possible within walking distance of the convention center and public transit • Post exhibitor kits electronically via the Web site; include green tips and guidelines for the exhibitors in the exhibitor service manual • Minimize packaging materials by shipping displays in reusable/recyclable crates and containers, using biodegradable shipping and packing materials • Eliminate paper handouts at education sessions by posting materials and resources online only and encourage use of free WiFi building-wide • Print name badges on recycled, postconsumer paper; recycle name badge holders • Encourage exhibitors to avoid large quantities of collateral and bring fewer samples or small amounts of materials and offer to send information upon request Reuse • Construct all build-out areas for reuse and recycle, including wall systems, counters, bins, platforms, trusses, gallery partitions, carpet, drape, stanchions, flags, tables, and chairs • Donate excess food to community-service organizations, compost perishables not donated • Survey and identify hotel green programs and amenities, turn off air conditioning and lights when hotel rooms are empty Recycle • Print fewer promotional pieces; print publications to be 100 percent FSC-certified postconsumer fiber, processed chlorine free • Sort and recycle nonfood waste (paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, metals, carpet, food waste and grease) • Expand use of renewable/recyclable materials for signage and print with water-based inks Maximize Efficiency • Minimize energy use by turning down/off lighting and air conditioning during exhibit move-in and move-out, use sensor controls to turn off lighting in all meeting rooms • Purchase local talent, products, and services whenever possible Maintain Air Quality • Incorporate indoor air quality principles with displays made with environmentally responsible materials, designed to be reusable/recyclable, and use energy-efficient lighting if applicable • Promote Boston as pedestrian friendly, i.e., “America’s Walking City,” and use public transit with subway pass offered in registration process Increase Awareness • Offer educational content on green design, sustainable development, energy efficiency, community and urban planning, and more • Encourage full participation by all vendors, hoteliers, convention center staff, and service providers • Train exhibitors and staff to be assertive stewards of a more sustainable environment, to promote their greening efforts, and to participate fully in a more sustainable AIA Expo2008 • Solicit and expand green sponsorships opportunities offered to exhibitors • Establish general contractor sustainability guidelines and monitor postevent reporting More Information Contact us for a comprehensive list of greening initiatives at the AIA 2008 convention.