CAUBO 2009 – A “Greener” Conference

Picking up on the pledge made last year, the 2009 CAUBO Committee is also pursuing a “greener conference”.  The following “green initiatives” are being implemented at the conference:

• Purchase of eco-friendly delegate bags, notepads and pens

• No paper handouts – each delegate will receive a CD at registration on-site containing all of the handouts submitted in advance by the conference speakers. All available presentations will also be posted on CAUBO’s website one week prior to the conference. Any handouts NOT submitted by speakers in advance of the conference will be posted on the CAUBO website following the conference.

• In the spirit of promoting green practices, we are encouraging delegates to make an optional $10 contribution (per family) to a CAUBO Sustainability Fund in acknowledgement of the emissions created by travel to the conference.   All contributions will be used to off-set the costs associated with a future CAUBO sustainable initiative (e.g. professional development workshop on sustainability).

• Printing conference collateral on recycled paper

• Recycling name badge holders and delegate bags

• Menus that feature locally grown foods (where possible)

• Sustainable development topics in the program

• Encouraging our exhibitors to offer environmentally sound door prizes, reduce printed materials distributed and demonstrate their contribution to sustainability on campuses

• Use of bulk dispensers and china at breaks to reduce waste

• Linen recycle program at Westin Ottawa

• In place of our traditional speaker gift, CAUBO will be making a donation to Evergreen, a Canadian not-for-profit organization that is helping bring nature back to cities. As part of their Gift of Nature program, a tree will be planted in honour of each conference speaker.

• Join us for your morning run on Monday, June 15th and/or Tuesday, June 16th accompanied by a team member from The Westin Ottawa for their Run Westin program.  Enjoy a scenic run along the Rideau Canal or the Ottawa River. The start times are 6:30am — guests are asked to be in the lobby by 6:15am. 

• For a more Zen start to your day, you are welcome to join us for a complimentary beginner’s yoga class on Monday, June 15th and Tuesday, June 16th from 7:00 am – 7:45 am.   We have reserved facilities in The Westin Ottawa’s health club.  We hope you can join us. Namasde!