Simon Fraser University
IN-5: Green Event Certification

Launched in 2017 and operated by the Sustainability Office, SFU's Sustainable Spaces - Events program offers toolkits, certification and recognition to SFU students, faculty and staff who wish to plan and execute their events with sustainable practices in mind. Certified events under this program receive access to the Sustainable Events banner, Sustainability Office support and resources to implement sustainable initiatives, as well as promotion and recognition through the Sustainability Office website, newsletter and social media. The events checklist highlights topics including but not limited to: venue and accommodation selection, public transportation availability and accessibility, publicity and registration, event materials, swag selection, and waste minimization. SFU's Sustainability Office has customized three separate Sustainable Events checklists to adhere to unique campus requirements and options available at, Burnaby, Vancouver and Surrey, as well as a specific events checklist for off-campus events. For example, all events held on the Burnaby campus are catered through SFU's Meeting, Event and Conference Services and therefore adhered to the zero waste requirements of the Burnaby campus and serve food as a standard in reusable cutlery and plates. On the Surrey campus however, catering can be ordered through various vendors across the city, therefore, the Surrey Sustainable Events checklist puts a larger emphasis on vendor packaging waste and encourages participants to chose vendors that supply food in reusable or recyclable packaging.