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2010 ACVIM Forum Green Initiatives

The ACVIM views environmental sustainability as an ongoing endeavor, and positive changes in our environmental practices will be evident again at the 2010 ACVIM Forum. In collaboration with our partners at the Anaheim Convention Center; Freeman, our general service contractor; Davis Audio & Visual, our audio/visual production company; and all of our contracted hotels, the ACVIM’s goal is to host a successful event while shrinking our carbon footprint.  Throughout the convention center, you will find bins for recycling, electronic signage, and reminders of what the ACVIM is doing to make this a green event.  All of our hotels are also focused on lessening the impact on the environment.  Read about some of the initiatives below. 

ACVIM
The ACVIM recycles all of its paper and plastic items at its headquarters (over 2 tons annually) and donates unused materials (Proceedings, portfolios, conference bags, Journals) after the ACVIM Forum to charitable organizations or to our student chapters.  Recently, the ACVIM staff made a large donation of food items (over 100 pounds of food equal to 2,715 individual servings) to a local food bank.

ACVIM Forum

• An Electronic Registration Brochure will replace the printed version of the past
• Proceedings will be available on CD-Rom only. Printing kiosks will be available for attendees to print portions of the Proceedings (double-sided) on recycled paper.

As a member of Convene Green Alliance, the ACVIM remains current on information and efforts to promote green initiatives.  The Convene Green Alliance is spearheaded by associations seeking to affect positive environmental practices through national, regional and local outreach and education.

Anaheim Convention Center:
The Anaheim Convention Center has implemented several measures over the years to improve its environmental practices.  The exclusive catering and concessionaire for the Anaheim Convention Center, Aramark Leisure Services, implemented a Sustainability Program in 2004.  All concession stands are equipped with recycling trash cans for plastic bottles; Aramark no longer uses aluminum cans.  All toilet paper and paper towels are made from 100 percent recyclable materials, and there are two trash compactors on site that are dedicated to cardboard recycling.  All other trash is recycled offsite by Anaheim Disposal, of which 55 percent of the waste is recyclable.  Strict energy conservation rules have been implemented about the use of the escalators and air conditioning systems.

Freeman:
In order to lower waste and minimize the impact on the environment, Freeman is committed to seeking ways to produce more environmentally friendly events, and also actively participates in “green” practices within their own day-to-day operations. In addition, specific show managers have partnered with Freeman in making their events more eco-friendly. In these specific cases, Freeman has provided innovative ideas, recycling coordination, and optional production materials and techniques for eco-friendly products and procedures that can be offered on a limited basis, with great success. 

Freeman encourages online ordering in lieu of printed paper forms and slicks. They recycle their used carpet, rendering more than 35 million square feet in less than two years for remanufacturing into drainage pipes. Additionally, they produce graphic panels and banners in ways that will reduce waste as well as environmental impact.  More information can be found at www.freemanco.com/green.

Davis Audio Visual:
Davis Audio Visual is an environmentally-conscious company.  They avidly support the green initiatives of their clients and the facilities in which they work.  Their commitment to minimizing their environmental impact and implementing sustainable practices is an integral part of their daily operations, both in their headquarters offices and in their temporary on-site workplaces.

Anaheim Marriott:
At the Anaheim Marriott, they are working toward more sustainable environmental practices and are proud of being an “Energy Star” labeled building.  Below is a partial list of their “green” achievements and planned projects:

• In-house paper recycling
• Tested and approved to retrofit back of the house T-8 bulbs to LED
• Installed time clocks and occupancy sensors in back of the house areas
• Installed LED landscape lighting
• Use “Green Seal” check list with goal to apply and qualify for certification
• Newspapers are given to guests upon request
• “Green Linen” program is used in guestrooms
• Recycling receptacles are placed in public spaces
• Began a property Environmental Committee
• Installation of low flow toilets, showerheads and compact fluorescent bulbs

Doubletree Guest Suites:
The Doubletree Guest Suites in Anaheim adheres to the following sustainable practices:

• Employees are properly trained, monitored and evaluated to improve environmental performance
• Recycling bins in all guestrooms
• Guestroom linen and towel reuse policy
• Renewable service items are used (china, cloth napkins and tablecloths)
• Condiments offered in bulk
• Energy-efficient lighting and programmable thermostats in guestrooms
• Housekeeping utilizes low toxicity cleaners
• Guests may opt out of receiving a daily newspaper

Hilton Anaheim:
The Hilton Anaheim is committed to promoting the practice of sustainable hospitality through energy and water conversation, waste reduction and recycling. They will strive to maintain an exceptional guest experience while incorporating environmentally conscious practices into their operations.  They will seek to engage their team members and guests to “think green” though ongoing education and awareness programs. Some of the current initiatives in place include:

• Guestroom linen reuse policy
• In-room Energy Star compliant televisions
• Low flow guest bathroom fixtures
• Green-certified products including cleaning supplies and organic and locally grown food
• Saline and saltwater pools
• Motion detector lights
• Recycle bins designated for paper, plastic bottles and soda cans located in various spots throughout Hilton Anaheim

What can YOU do to help?

As a 2010 ACVIM Forum attendee or exhibitor, we encourage you to practice some of your own environmentally friendly actions to garner the benefits of going green.  A few are suggested here.  Please join us in protecting the environment in Anaheim. 

• Participate in the recycling program offered by the Anaheim Convention Center and the hotel where you are staying,
• Turn the lights off and turn your thermostat off when leaving your hotel room,
• Re-use water bottles,
• Pass on the daily paper unless you intend to read and recycle it,
• Walk between venues when possible or use public transit.