As the global focus on environmental sustainability continues to grow, the meetings and conventions industry is embracing a green revolution. Vancouver, with its stunning natural backdrop and innovative infrastructure, is at the forefront of this movement. Consistently ranked as one of the world's most sustainable cities, Vancouver offers a unique combination of modern amenities, eco-friendly practices, and breathtaking surroundings, making it the perfect host city for sustainable meetings and events.
From the globally recognized Vancouver Convention Centre to the city's wide range of eco-certified hotels and restaurants, every element of hosting an event in Vancouver is designed to minimize environmental impact while providing an unforgettable experience for attendees. Whether your focus is on reducing waste, cutting carbon emissions, or giving back to the community, Vancouver has the resources and expertise to help you achieve your sustainability goals.
Vancouver Convention Centre: A Beacon of Sustainability
A shining example of the city's commitment to sustainability is the Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC). As the world’s first double LEED® Platinum-certified convention centre, the VCC stands as a symbol of Vancouver’s dedication to the environment. The building itself is a marvel of green design and innovation, boasting a variety of eco-friendly features.
One of the most notable aspects of the VCC is its six-acre living roof, the largest in Canada and the largest non-industrial living roof in North America. This vibrant ecosystem is home to over 400,000 indigenous plants and grasses, which serve as natural insulators, reducing energy consumption by regulating the building's temperature throughout the year.
Beyond the roof, the VCC has a restored marine habitat built into its foundation, which has significantly improved water quality and nurtured a thriving aquatic ecosystem. This feature underscores Vancouver’s approach to sustainability, which includes not only reducing carbon footprints but also actively contributing to environmental restoration.
The VCC also uses a sophisticated seawater heating and cooling system, capitalizing on its proximity to the ocean to reduce the energy required for temperature regulation.
Top 5 Ways to Host a Sustainable Event in Vancouver
When planning a meeting or convention in Vancouver, you are perfectly positioned to reduce the environmental impact of your event while enhancing the attendee experience. Here are the top five strategies to help you host a sustainable event in this eco-friendly city:
1. Leverage Vancouver’s Walkability
Vancouver is a compact, pedestrian-friendly city that eliminates the need for cars. The Vancouver Convention Centre is located within walking distance of over 13,000 hotel rooms, countless restaurants, and major attractions. This allows attendees to forgo driving, minimizing emissions from transportation and making it easy for your event to maintain a low carbon footprint. Encourage your attendees to explore the city on foot or via the extensive public transportation network.
2. Choose Organic and Locally Sourced Catering
Vancouver’s food scene is synonymous with sustainability. Locally sourced, organic ingredients are the norm, and venues like the VCC operate "scratch" kitchens that prioritize fresh, seasonal, and regional ingredients. This reduces the carbon emissions associated with transporting food and ensures that your attendees are enjoying nutritious, environmentally friendly meals. By choosing local fare, you also support British Columbia's farmers and food producers.
3. Go Digital with Event Apps
To reduce paper waste, consider replacing printed materials with a custom event app. Not only does this eliminate the need for thousands of pages of printed guides, maps, and schedules, but it also enhances the attendee experience by offering real-time updates, social media integration, and opportunities for interactive engagement. Attendees can keep up with the event schedule, explore local attractions, and network with other delegates—all from their smartphones.
4. Select Eco-Certified Venues and Hotels
Vancouver is home to an impressive array of eco-certified venues and accommodations. In addition to the Vancouver Convention Centre's double LEED® Platinum certification, the city offers 50 Green Key-certified hotels. These venues go beyond meeting sustainability benchmarks; they actively integrate eco-friendly practices into their operations, from energy-efficient lighting to waste reduction initiatives. By choosing these locations, you contribute to Vancouver’s mission of becoming the world’s greenest city.
5. Incorporate Corporate Volunteering Opportunities
Sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns to include positive social impact. Many organizations are now incorporating corporate volunteering opportunities into their events, giving attendees the chance to contribute to the local community. Whether it’s organizing a beach cleanup or partnering with local charities, these activities not only benefit the host city but also provide meaningful, team-building experiences for participants. Hosting a corporate volunteering activity in Vancouver, a city known for its community spirit, is a great way to foster connections and give back in a tangible way.
For event organizers seeking a truly green experience, Vancouver is not just a destination—it’s the sustainable choice for the future.