usinesses are embracing Fairmont Hotels and Resorts’ respect for the environment and promotion of sustainable tourism by rallying behind its Eco-Meet program, available at all of its properties.

Eco-Meet is an environmentally friendly conferencing program intended to minimize harm to the environment during meetings, conferences, and similar events. Developed as a “green” meeting and conference planning option, it lets planners organize conferences and events that consider the environment, result in reduced waste, and conserve valuable resources.

“We recognize that many corporations have adopted a mandate of environmental responsibility,” says Michelle White, director, environmental affairs. “When selecting a venue for a green event, meeting planners will consider all aspects of the hotel or resort’s accommodation, operations, programs, and policies as part of our Eco-Meet initiative.”

Meeting planners wanting to “green” their events work with Fairmont’s staff to tailor aspects of this program, which consists of four key components:

1. Eco-service provides disposable-free food and beverage services and recycling stations in meeting rooms. This service is an important element to a greener meeting and includes china and cutlery instead of disposable items, linen napkins instead of paper, and centerpieces that are edible/organic or made from reusable items such as silk flowers. Whiteboards are used rather than paper flip charts.
2. Eco-accommodation offers in-room information; recycling bins; optional sheet and towel replacement at select properties; energy-efficient lighting; and water-conserving showerheads, toilets, and tap aerators.
3. Eco-cuisine menus incorporate local, seasonal, and organically grown foods wherever possible. Special menus for Eco-Meet can also include a 50 percent reduction in animal proteins, supplemented by vegetable proteins, at meal functions. Fairmont properties with their own herb gardens or locally available seasonings feature dishes with those ingredients. The emphasis is on healthy, environmentally friendly, and delicious food.
4. Eco-programming provides activities and speakers to complement the Eco-Meet experience. Whether it’s a keynote address, a fullday team building eco-experience, or something in between, eco-programming educates and informs meeting delegates while providing innovative and exceptional meeting services. Paperless services are available, and emailed contracts and information are used where possible. Fairmont assists meeting planners in offsetting their events’ greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing green tags/energy certificates.