MCI Hong Kong conducted a comprehensive sustainable event assessment on the International Climate Change Conference 2009 (ICCC 2009), held from October 7-9 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). CEI Asia talks to managing director Claire Saunders about the experience:

Where did you begin?
MCI’s Sustainable Event Management (SEM) framework, combined with the MeetGreen event audit tool, enabled a comprehensive and holistic assessment of ICCC 2009. MeetGreen offers a range of tools and resources specifically designed for event planners executing ‘green’ meetings.

Key activities included setting specific targets such as influencing the meeting venue to recycle a minimum of 25 per cent of event waste, encouraging suppliers to sign MCI’s Code of Conduct (based on the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact) and seeking increased ‘green’ options to minimise waste and energy usage. 

What were the key sustainability initiatives?
We focused on recycling. All material was printed on FSC or recycled paper. Name badges and recyclable lanyards were made from 100 per cent recycled materials, and backdrops were made from recycled wood and plastic.

Accommodation and social functions were organised within walking distance of the venue to eliminate unnecessary transport. Water jugs also eliminated an estimated 1,725 plastic bottles. 

How did your event partners contribute to the process?
Camco sponsored the measurement of the event’s carbon footprint calculation. An investment was made in a
renewable wind-energy project in China sponsored by Climate Action, a multimedia reference resource produced in association with the UN Environment Programme. The event hosts covered the cost of the balance
of the off-sets to ensure ICCC 2009 was a carbon-neutral event.

What have been the benefits of this experience?
MCI’s sustainable eventmanagement credentials and proven practices to reduce the environmental impact of events, combined with clear assessment measures, are important for organisations choosing event partners, venues and suppliers, which encourages the industry to adopt more sustainable practices.

MCI spent a lot of time encouraging a ‘greener’ way of thinking and hopefully created some lasting changes in mindset and practices of those involved.