GEORGE R. BROWN CONVENTION CENTER TAKE "MEET DIFFERENT" THEME GREEN Convention Center Powered By 100 Percent Green Energy During Meeting Professionals International Professional Education Conference-North America
(MPI PEC-NA)
02.11.2008 -- The George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) is turning greener and greener.
The convention center was powered by 100 percent green energy as host of the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) 2008 Professional Education Conference-North America, held Feb. 2-5. Through City of Houston Energy Management, renewable energy credits were purchased in the name of MPI to cover the show period, paralleling the conference’s “Meet Different” theme.
The “Meet Different” approach by MPI was designed to challenge conventional thinking and pioneer innovative ways to fuel business success. Themes central to this event included Corporate Social Responsibility and environmental sustainability.
“In addition to talking the talk, we’re walking the walk by keeping our conference green, from the use of alternative energy to recycling materials to sourcing locally-grown foods,” said Angie Pfeifer, chairman of the board for MPI.
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency recently ranked the City of Houston No. 12 on its National Top 25 list of the largest green power purchasers. By June, about 20 percent of all energy purchased by the City of Houston will come from green power.
“In July 2008, all GRB energy needs will come from the 20 percent allocation, meaning the convention center will be powered 100 percent by green power,” said Luther Villagomez, general manager for the GRB. “The GRB has undergone a green overhaul to significantly reduce its carbon footprint. We felt it was only natural to set aside credits in support of the ‘Meet Different’ initiative.”
In addition, the GRB initiated numerous “green” features, including the use of cork buffet tops and serving trays, digital LED signs rather than printed and worked with the Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau to arrange ultra-low sulphur diesel fuel for shuttle buses, which enables the use of cleaner technology diesel engines and vehicles to improve air quality.
MPI initiatives included using plants and flowers as natural decor, eliminating water bottles, creating an AV presentation about the environment and using organic cotton for registration bags, lanyards and airport greeter T-shirts to support sustainable agriculture.
