The American College of Greece
IN-18: Green Event Certification

The operational side of sustainability is fundamental to achieving sustainability excellence. ACG is committed to reduce resource usage and improve understanding on consumption patterns in relation to efficiency measures. The main operational objective is to minimize ACG’s environmental and carbon footprints concurrently with significant reduction of energy consumption.
In 2018 we launched the Sustainable events guidelines and checklist. All ACG offices must follow the guidelines and practices included in the sustainable events checklist when organizing an event on campus. Organizers must submit to the Center of Excellence for Sustainability, Office of Public Affairs which sustainable best practices have followed.
In an attempt to implement the guidelines, the Center of Excellence for Sustainability, Office of Public Affairs, will be awarding Sustainability Status Certificates (in three categories after assessment) than can be displayed on promotional materials of the event. Through an attempt to gamify the process (and allow for an objectivity of the assessment), a voluntary reporting tool (link here) is being provided not only to assess how sustainable an event is, but to enable event planners to have access to a quick checklist of what constitutes a Sustainable Event.




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These categories are listed in order of precedence as follows:

Gold; “Sustainability Excellence”: This status honors events that have taken measures to address sustainability and excelled in the implementation of the concept during the planning process. This certification marks the highpoint of sustainability awareness and practice. Silver; “Sustainability Best Practices”: Within this status, event planners have ensured that best practices have been followed and most objectives have been met. In this category events have been planned with thorough consideration of sustainability. Bronze; “Sustainability Awareness”: This certification is awarded to events that have met the requirements towards sustainability and have taken important steps to reduce the cost (environmental, social and financial) of their event.
Event planners are encouraged to answer and submit to the CES the results of their selfassessment through the corresponding tool, in the weeks prior to the event. The reporting tool uses drop down menus and selections that can be used in order to self-assess in (hard-earned points) the Sustainability status of the event. The deadline for the assessment is a week prior to the particular event. The CES will process, review the report and award one of three possible rankings if the event meets the criteria.

In addition to the certification, your event will be promoted by the CES (through the Sustainability at ACG website, social media and other platforms).
Key Performance Indicators (KPI) 1. Policy: the first step towards the organization of a Sustainable Event is to establish a written or unwritten connection to sustainability through policy. Setting a sustainability policy outright--and then amplifying this policy across all planning areas--will help minimize resource consumption, maximize reuse of materials, and spread awareness of the event's commitment to sustainability. 2. Materials and waste: Successful sustainable waste management diverts materials from landfills and incineration by minimizing resource consumption and maximizing reuse. 3. Catering: Promoting sustainable food practices is integral to the resilience of our planet, its economies, and its people. We can improve human, social and environmental health by making well-informed, sustainable decisions, maintaining diverse nutritional requirements and habits. 4. Energy: More sustainable energy and transportation can help lower event costs, reduce negative ecological impact, and create a healthier, more comfortable event space.
https://www.acg.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Sustainable-Events-Guidelines.pdf
https://www.acg.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Sustainable-Event-Certification-Checklist.pdf