University of California, Santa Barbara
IN-5: Green Event Certification

The PACES (Program for the Assessment and Certification for the Environment and Sustainability) Green Event Certification Program is a free certification process that measures the sustainability of events, makes feasible suggestions, and offers resources to improve the sustainability, efficiency, and quality of events. This process is conducted using a certification checklist made up of 8 environmental impact categories, with each credit in a category earning the event a certain number of points. Most credits are based on education on sustainable principles and behavioral change. Based on the amount of total points received during data collection (consisting of a pre-interview, an event walk through and a follow up interview), an event earns a certification level of Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum, and receives specialized recommendations and reference materials for increasing the sustainability of their events. Sustainable transportation options, teleconferencing options, and/or carbon offsets: The transportation section of the checklist is made up of credits that reduce impacts associated with transportation to and from the event. For example, event hosts are encouraged to provide information on and incentivize the use of alternative transportation, schedule the events during non-peak traffic hours and integrate the purchasing of carbon offsets during registration process. Sustainable catering: The Food and Catering section focuses on serving sustainable food options and reducing waste associate with serving food. For example, an event receives points for hiring a green certified catering business, providing vegan/ vegetarian options and using sustainably certified meat, poultry and and fish products. In addition, points can be earned by purchasing in bulk instead of in individual packaging, using compostable/reusable dishware and obtaining a head count prior to the event to limit leftover food waste. Paper consumption: The purchasing section awards points for using environmentally preferable event supplies and giveaways. For example point can be achieved for purchasing materials locally, using paper with a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled content, and using Green Seal certified cleaning products. Energy efficiency: The audio visual section of the checklist awards points for reducing environmental impacts associate with audio-visual delivery. Points can be earned for implementing energy saving measures (such as unplugging equipment when not in use or putting equipment on “energy saver” mode) and for using Energy Star rated equipment and/or LED lighting whenever possible. Waste minimization and diversion: The waste management section focuses on waste minimization and diversion through both educational and operational tactics. For example, points are awarded for having detailed signage above all waste bins, and for providing a cluster of compost, recycling and trash bins. Point cans further be rewards for having volunteer and staff who are trained on proper sorting practices stationed at clustered bins for all or a portion of the event . Following the event, points can be achieved for completing a waste audit, and can gain a tiered system of points dependent on their waste diversion rate. Communications and/or signage about the sustainable practices: The communication section focuses on ensuring event attendees are aware of sustainable measures that are being implemented during the event, and how to participate. For example, points are awarded electronically publicizing the sustainable measures being taken during the event, and how these measures decreased impacts following the event. Points can also be rewarded for reduce impacts by ensuring all promotional and registration materials are electronic, and making the event accessible via videoconferencing and/or a video/audio recording to increase accessibility.