Green Initiative

Reducing the Environmental Impact of Convergence

At Microsoft, environmental stewardship is important and integral to our business, and we are committed to helping make our events more environmentally friendly. The following are efforts that Microsoft is undertaking for Convergence 2008 – but we also need your help to make these efforts successful!

Green meeting initiatives:

• The majority of conference created collateral will be printed on 100% recycled paper and printed with vegetable-based ink.
• The CommNet stations will be stocked with recycled paper
• The conference badge holder and wallets will be collected at the end of the event to be re-used at future Microsoft Dynamics events.
• The Mouse Mats are made from recyclable PVC with a cardboard interior all of which can be recycled.
• Convergence Sponsors and Exhibitors have been encouraged to help reduce waste by minimizing giveaways and collateral, using recycled materials where possible, and minimizing shipping and packaging.
• The Bella Center will host The UN Climate Change conference COP15 in November 2009 and therefore environmental issues have had a high priority for more than a year. Recycling bins are located around the venue at the appropriate points (e.g. relevant recycling bins adjacent to all drinks stations). All waste at the Bella Center is recycled.
• Water fountains that take tap water and filters it to make it drinkable and 100% biodegradable cups are being used.
• China and silverware are being used for all food and drink elements. For tea and coffee, 100% biodegradable cups are being used
• Linen cloths are being used on all food service tables. Paper napkins and overlays are made from 100% recycled products.
• Menus contain less red meat and more vegetable dishes. Local Danish products (or EU products) are used rather than products from further afield. If available, ecological products are being used. Furthermore, the venue’s central electric cooker has been changed to gas, thus reducing carbon emission.
• Food waste is sorted and sent to a bio gas factory, producing energy and compost.

What you can do to help:

• Actively use the recycling bins located throughout the venue to recycle your paper, aluminium, glass and other waste as directed.
• Place your badge holder in the bins by registration at the end of the event so they can be reused for upcoming events.