International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC) has just released its newest industry publication“Environmental Strategies for Convention Centres”…
International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC) has just released its newest industry publication“Environmental Strategies for Convention Centres”. The booklet addresses the reasons for meeting facilities to develop an environmental strategy and outlines the approaches that can be taken to developing tactics that are consistent with the ongoing operating realities of a convention centre.
“In the midst of the kind of economic and political turmoil we’ve seen over the past few years, it’s easy to forget the importance of focusing on long term issues such as the need for good environmental standards”, said AIPC President Barbara Maple. “This publication is a reminder to all of us that we need to continue the development and implementation of quality standards in all key areas, and respond as well to the concerns of our clients and communities in this regard.”
The booklet is based on the premise that there is no single approach that is entirely appropriate to the circumstances of all convention centres, and as a result, facilities must develop a process for identifying and acting on tactics that respond to their unique circumstances. “Just as the environment itself is complex and varied, so are the opportunities and constraints faced by our members as they look toward an environmental program that meets their needs”, says AIPC Board Member Antti Vihinen of Lahti, Finland, who oversaw the project. “What we’re saying is that rather than adopting a “one size fits all” approach, centres must look to their own conditions and resources to decide how best to create a program appropriate to their specific needs.”
Included in the publication are a variety of specific tactics that provide a “shopping list” from which centres can choose according to their own circumstances, and a framework for developing and managing a facility-specific program. The booklet also stresses that there is a need for an ongoing review and adaptation process in order to have the ability to respond to evolving standards, technology and expectations over time.
While the booklet is primarily aimed at convention centres, it notes that good environmental practices must be collaborative, and involve not only the facility itself but clients, meeting planners and even the surrounding community. “Ecology teaches us that everything is interconnected, and that means we need to take a similarly integrated approach to environmental practices”, says Maple. “The fortunate thing is that most people these days recognize the need for high environmental standards, and are prepared to work together to achieve that objective.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
