Sustainability

A simple step to take in helping the combating global warming and helping the environment comes with knowing just what your carbon footprint is. Carbonfund.org can offer help with that, as well as providing information on how offsets work. We are pleased to offer this link -  Carbon Calculator - courtesy of PRA Destination Management, Inc. - that allows you to make calculations and optionally donate to Carbonfund.org to offset your footprint. It is also an option to offer any of your clients or suppliers who are interested in finding out more about ways to help the planet.

Carbonfund.org is the nation’s leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit provider of carbon offsets & climate solutions. It makes it easy and affordable for everyone to calculate, reduce & offset their carbon footprint with carbon offsets that are verified to third-party carbon offsets standards, and be carbon neutral.

CSR

Businesses are increasingly incorporating social responsibility as part of their sustainability strategy. These businesses would seem to be a potentially good source of prospects for planners and incentive companies who can offer CSR events, and understand how they fit into the overall company philosophy. There are some excellent online publications specializing in sustainable business that might prove helpful…

1. Greenbiz.com    GreenBiz, the business voice of the green economy
   
   This is my favorite site when researching anything to do with business and sustainability. They offer very solid business reporting and provide valuable resources, such as the free download of their State of Green Business 2010 report.
   
   An example of their articles includes this recent piece on the Las Vegas Sands Expo and Convention Center, home to the new IMEX America 2011, America's worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events. The Venetian, the expo center and the Sands' Palazzo Hotel-Resort-Casino, which earned a LEED-Silver rating for new construction in 2008, comprise what is for now the largest contiguous structure certified under the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards, according to company officials.
   
   You can read more here: Las Vegas Sands Raises the Stakes for Green Development
2. lohas.com    Lifestyles of health and sustainability
   
   As an example, here is an article entitled “Tips for greening your hotel and your business”.
3. smartplanet.com    Smart Planet, sponsored by IBM. One example of what they offer can be seen in this short video that gives some simple ideas to help you “green” your hotel stay. Greening your hotel stay.
4. Environmental Leader    Energy & Environmental News for Business
   
   This publication also offers some great data and articles; for instance, if you have a client looking for a property with a strong commitment to sustainability, here is a brilliant resource: Environmental Mission Statements: A List of Hotel Sustainability Policies. By being aware of sustainable business trends, our industry can help businesses looking for ways to improve their level of sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Geraldine Gatehouse
VP CSR & Sustainability
Site Southern California Board

We all have a carbon footprint! Check here at Carbon Calculator to see how you impact the planet and learn what your offset options are. Thanks to Madelyn Marusa of PRA Destination Management Inc. for supplying this resource.