Policy for sustainable developement - A sustainable approach at the 2012 CMOS Congress
The Local Arrangements Commitee of the 2012 CMOS congress in Montreal encourages the principles of the organization of sustainable events. Several points of interest are listed below
Congress centre and hotel
The congress takes place at the Hyatt Regency hotel, situated in the heart the Quartier des Spectacles in downtown Montreal, adjoining the complexe Desjardins (shopping centre and food court) and is minutes away on foot from the UQAM science pavilion and McGill University.
The Hyatt Regency Montreal has its own corporate environmental sustainability policy concerning waste management, recycling, water conservation, air quality, energy efficiency, selection of regional beverages and food etc. Furthermore, the Hyatt Regency has a certified 3 key rating from the Green Key Eco-rating Program which evaluates hotel establishments in terms of sustainable development.
Transportation
The congress centre and hotel is situated in Montreal’s downtown and is in close proximity to two metro stations (Place-d’Armes and Place-des-Arts). Bike sharing (BIXI) stations are also located in close proximity to the congress centre. Bike racks are also available in interior parkade located at the complexe Desjardins.
For transportation to and from the airport: the 8$ bus service route 747 provides a 24 hour pass for the STM (Montreal Transit Authority) and has a bus stop directly at the hotel entrance (corner of Jeanne-Mance and René-Lévesque).
Food
In collaboration with the Hyatt Regency particular attention is being made regarding the choice of meals served at the banquet, lunch and coffee-breaks encouraging healthy choices of regional products and organic foods. Furthermore, washable dishes and utensils will be used.
Communication and Congress materials
The majority of communications will be made via the congress website or by email, with the goal of reducing as much as possible the amount of printed material. The remaining limited amounts of printed material will use FSC certified paper. Furthermore, attendees will not receive a conference bag, paper pad, or pencils. However a cardboard sleeve with the congress program will be provided.
Carbon neutrality
The local CMOS organizing committee is unable to attain carbon neutrality for the 2012 congress. However, attendees are nonetheless encouraged to compensate their greenhouse emissions with respect to their travel to and from Montreal via their travel company or though other programs which may be available within their company or organization. Attendees from the greater Montreal area are encouraged to travel to the congress site via public transportation or bike/BIXI. An evaluation of greenhouse emissions associated with travel to Montreal for the 2012 congress will be made.
