In what appears to be a precursor to future LEED standards for Hotels, the US Green Building Council has released the “Green Venue Selection Guide: Integrating LEED into Travel and Event Management.”

The guide is intended to serve as a checklist for those properties that are not currently LEED certified. USGBC suggests the user package the checklist with their Request for Proposal. They do clarify that it should be obvious this is a product of the USGBC. One could surmise that the USGBC is wise in distributing this document to properties with the intent that hoteliers will recognize the increased demand from planners and organizations who would like to hold their events in certified green properties. Nice move USGBC!

You can download the document here. You can also see their presentation enticing hospitality professionals here.

At a time when many organizations are seeking means of verifying their policies of social and environmental responsibility, 3rd Party certification is the hottest trend around. As reported before, just months ago the Council for Responsible Sporting began offering an outstanding certification process for sporting events. Now, meeting and event organizers have one more option to establish credibility for their greening efforts.

North American based EcoLogo has just released the newest version of their ecolabel for events. Classified under section CCD-095: Events, the new standards pertain to the three categories of 1)Waste, 2)Materials and 3)Energy, Carbon & Transport.  While the standards might have missed a few opportunities to improve the event’s “green factor” – such as suggesting use of alternative energy or fuels for shipping – ultimately the criteria establish a manageable and respectable baseline.  It is a clear declaration to all stakeholders that the organizers have complied with minimum guidelines and are serious about their commitment to sustainability.

With roots in both Canada and the United States, EcoLogo was founded 20 years ago by TerraChoice Marketing. You might be familiar with TerraChoice as the genius firm responsible for the creation of “The Six Sins of Greenwashing.” A unique and highly appealing feature that accompanies the EcoLogo labeling process is free strategic counsel, market research and environmental marketing consultation by the experts at TerraChoice.

Of course we won’t be particleboard panelists! We’ll be the attractive, healhty alternative that I’m raving about: ChloroFill.  Okay, so that’s entirely off the subject, but an interesting, green building materials sidetrack all the same.

Back on the main track, the San Diego chapter of Meeting Planners International will be holding an educational program on 11/18, “Understanding & Embracing Corporate Social Responsibility.” The program is catered to the hospitality and toursim industry but will be beneficial for all industries. We are honored to have Elizabeth Henderson, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility Meeting Professionals International, lead the discussion. Three panelists from the areas of green meetings and CSR will participate.

For more details and to register, please visit the San Diego MPI website. Thanks for your support and we hope to see you there!