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22-27 April 2012, Montréal, Canada From Knowledge to Action |
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Green Commitment Eco-responsibility The conference organizers are pleased to announce that the IPY 2012 Conference is now certified as a Sustainable Event by the Bureau de normalization du Quebec Standard BNQ 9700-253. Obtaining this certification demonstrates that the conference meets or exceeds the rigorous requirements for a green event in the Province of Quebec. . Specifically, environmental considerations have shaped our selection of suppliers, as well as plans for the management of materials, energy and water, waste management, food selection and transportation. As you will see during your stay in Montreal, several actions have been taken to reduce the environmental footprint of the conference. Green Initiatives Transportation There are direct flights to Montréal from most major international cities,. Montréal also easily accessed by train and inter-city buses from virtually anywhere in North America – an excellent alternative to air travel. The central train and bus stations are located in the heart of Montréal, just steps from the Palais des congrès. To get to the city center, there is a low-cost shuttle service that runs between Montréal-Trudeau airport and downtown. The conference centre is connected to the public transit system of Montréal , including the metro and bus networks. A day pass for the transit system costs $ 8 and a 3-day pass is $ 16. If the weather is nice, Montreal also has a self-service bicycles service called Bixi. Facilities The Palais des congrès is a leader in organizing green conferences. Its green reputation is based on the environmental practices that have been integrated throughout the facility, from natural lighting to reducing water and energy consumption, cleaning with environmental products and using green building materials. The conference centre has installed a green roof on parts of its edifice, which helps to reduce urban heat islands. It is expanding the amount of space dedicated to the green roof garden where vegetables and plants are grown that can be used by its catering services.,The Palais des congrès has won a number of prizes related to its environmental efforts. Food Services Preference will be given to local and bulk products. Delegates are encouraged to use the glasses provided or bring their own reusable bottles. Containers used in the lunch boxes are made of compostable materials. You will be asked to deposit them in the compost bins. Untouched food will be given to a local food bank. Waste Management Recycling stations and composting bin will be available on the conference site. Accommodations The recommended hotels for delegates are located near the conference site and are within walking distance or accessible by public transportation. All hotels have been confirmed to follow sound environmental policies and are green certified. Suppliers Preference will be given to environmentally responsible products made from recycled and recyclable materials. Wherever possible, local suppliers will be given preference. Communications Environmental practices will be encouraged among participants, partners and the media. Registration and most communication will be done online. Required quantities of key documents will be printed double-sided on recycled paper. The conference program will be available online and only a small size program will be printed. Green Team During the event, a team of volunteers will be designated to assist delegates and questions about green initiatives. After the Event Participants will be encouraged to return their nametags and any unused supplies, which will be donated or reused for other conferences. Thank you for your support on this green commitment!! |
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