Event Sustainability

The Global Compact aims to minimise the environmental impacts of its Leaders Summit 2010.

In cooperation with MCI, Sustainable Event Management experts, a number of actions have been taken to reduce the event’s footprint:

  • The Summit was planned in alignment with the international recognized BS8901 Sustainable Event Management system standard. This included the set-up of a sustainable event management strategy, objectives, measurement and reporting goals.
  • All Suppliers were evaluated on their commitment to sustainable business practices.
  • All Suppliers signed a Code of Conduct based on the ten principles of the UN Global Compact.
  • The meeting venue was selected because of its high sustainability performance in terms of infrastructure, energy efficiency, operations and commitment to sustainable business.
  • Menus will be comprised of local or organic products.
  • Bottled water will not be offered during the event as part of an effort to showcase New York’s high quality water and to reduce waste and carbon emissions related to the production and transport of plastic bottles.
  • A comprehensive assessment of sustainable event practices will be reported following the conclusion of the event. This report will highlight best practices and provide recommendations for future improvements.

Support for this initiative has been provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers, which has generously provided external council on the event carbon emissions measurement and sustainable event practices.

PwC

Carbon Emissions

The CO2 emissions produced by participants' travel and attendance will be offset with the purchase and retirement of a mixture of Gold Standard CERs (Certified Emission Reductions) and Gold Standard VERs (Verified Emission Reductions).

International travel and local emissions will produce an estimated 2,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalents. These event emissions will be offset with the Amatitlan Geothermal Project in Guatemala. This project is a UNFCCC Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) certified project, which was selected after a strict analysis of over 30 Certified Emission Reductions projects in Asia and Latin America. The Amatitlan project was supplied by the Summit offsetting partner ECOSECURITIES based on its combined social, economic and environmental benefits.

The Amatitlan geothermal power project generates 162,000 MWh per annum by harnessing the power of heat stored beneath the earth’s surface to generate a clean, sustainable and reliable electricity source. In addition this offset promotes sustainable development of the local community by:

  • Reducing over 53,720 tCO2, of CO2 emissions annually;
  • Providing a stable electricity supply to local residents and businesses;
  • Providing over 500 temporary jobs during the construction phase and 20 permanent jobs during the operation phase;
  • Implementing a program to reduce flooding of the local area through the repair of road infrastructure and reforestation of hillsides with over 5,000 trees;
  • Reducing emissions of harmful air pollutants by displacing electricity generated by fossil fuels which make a positive impact on health in the host country; and
  • Providing funding to Pacaya Community Trust which invests in health and education, eco-tourism, infrastructure and an environmental education center.

For more information:

In accordance with the Global Compact's 8th principle which states that "businesses are asked to undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility", the Global Compact Office strongly encourages all participants to contribute to the fight against global warming and to set a good example.

The voluntary contribution for each participant amounts to USD 45. The contribution collected will support the financing of the Amatitlan project.

(Last updated: 12 July 2010)