ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

INCREASING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF CONVERGENCE 2009

Microsoft understands that our operations and processes can impact both positively and negatively the environment, society and the economy.  The Microsoft commitment to sustainability includes establishing corporate policies and procedures that conserve environmental resources in our operations and in our productions, packaging and supply chain; creating a global culture of accountability through our core values and codes of conduct; and insisting on strong corporate governance as a fundamental component of our business success.

The following are efforts that Microsoft is engaged in to make Convergence 2009 more environmentally friendly and sustainable – and we need your help to make these efforts successful!

SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES

  • Reusable Water Bottles.  Attendees will be given a reusable stainless steel water bottle to fill at water cooler stations throughout the Convention Center.  Biodegradable cups will also be available at each water cooler station.
  • Reduced Paper & Collateral.   Many materials, including various collateral pieces previously included within the conference bag, have been reduced or eliminated in hard copy and posted to the website for easy viewing.
  • 100% Post-Consumer Waste Recycled Paper.  The majority of necessary conference-created collateral will be printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper (processed chlorine-free) and printed with vegetable-based ink. Computer stations will also be stocked with recycled paper.
  • Conference Giveaways.  The fabric of the conference tote bag is made with 51% post-consumer recycled materials including water and soda bottles. The conference pen is manufactured with corn starch instead of petroleum and is 81% biodegradable.  The conference badge lanyard is manufactured from 100% recycled water and soda bottles, and the badge holder is manufactured from 51% recycled materials.  The journal book is made with 100% recycled chipboard cover, 100% post-consumer recycled writing paper, and printed with soy-based ink. The wire binding is made of 97% scrap metal with only 3% new steel.  Evaluation prizes include t-shirts made with organic cotton and other solar-powered gadgets.
  • Reusable Badge Holders.  Badge holders will be collected at the end of the event to be reused at future Microsoft Dynamics and Convergence events.
  • Energy Saving Activities.  Air-conditioning/heating and lighting will be minimized during off-hours to minimize power consumption.
  • Plasma Screens.  Plasma screens will be utilized for session signage to help reduce the amount of hard-copy signage waste.  Many other signage elements will be comprised of recycled and reusable materials. 
  • Efficient Transportation Practices. A 5-minute “low or no idle” rule is in place – drivers are instructed to either turn engines off or put them in low idle mode to help reduce emissions.
  • Recycling Bins. Specific containers for recyclable waste, including paper, aluminum and plastic, are available throughout the Convention Center.
  • Biodegradable Service Ware. The disposable plates, bowls, cups and napkins used during certain meals are made of biodegradable and/or recycled materials. 
  • Local and Organic Ingredients.  Menus will incorporate a small percentage of locally-grown and organic ingredients.  Left-over food will also be donated to Bridge House, a local food bank.
  • Partner Participation.  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 needs. 
  • Community Revitalization Projects.  Attendees will have the opportunity to volunteer in the local New Orleans community as part of the conference activities.  There will also be opportunities for attendees to donate conference giveaways and materials to local organizations.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:

  • Use your water bottle to help reduce plastic waste – by doing this we will save nearly 30,000 disposable bottles of water from the waste stream!
  • Turn in your badge holder at the end of the event in the receptacles provided so that they can be reused at upcoming events.
  • Actively use the recycling bins located throughout the Convention Center to recycle your paper, aluminum, plastic and other waste.
  • Use the free Convergence shuttles to transport between Convergence venues and hotels (or walk!) Avoid renting individual cars or taking taxis when possible. 
  • Refer to your “Personal Recycling Guide” in the back of the journal handed out in the attendee bag for additional recycling tips & ideas.
  • Participate in the community revitalization projects to give back to the local New Orleans area.

For questions, comments, or suggestions about these sustainability efforts, please e-mail us at grnmeet@microsoft.com. 

BS 8901:2007: The New Standard for Sustainable Event Management

Convergence 2009 has achieved Phase 1 of the British Standard Institute’s Sustainable Events Management standard. Microsoft is the first organization in the U.S. that has achieved this milestone and Convergence is on its way to achieve successful completion of the final Phases 2 & 3 following the close of the event. Participation in this standard has provided Microsoft with the opportunity to test and benchmark its current sustainable best practices against a set of external criteria. The standard provides a framework for developing a sustainable events management system that is focused holistically on environmental, social, and economic elements. For more information, please click here.