There is much discussion throughout the industry about this topic, but little industry-wide guidance. APEX is aggressively pursuing the development of best practices for green meetings. Two key partners in this effort are ASTM International and the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
APEX is currently in the process of developing recognized standards for green meetings through the help of many volunteers in the following subcommittees:
Accommodation
Audio/Visual and Production
Communication
Destinations
Exhibits
Food & Beverage
Meeting Venue
On-Site Offices
Transportation
Each committee will be responsible for reviewing accepted "green" standards and compiling a list of baseline accepted practices. Everyone will have the opportunity to comment on the work of the APEX Green Meetings and Events Practices Panel and the nine committees through City Discussion Groups and a Virtual Discussion Group.
To learn more about the individual committees, click here: Green Committee.
APEX will also work with ASTM International (click here for recent news article), an international standards setting organization. APEX will submit draft standards to the E60 Sustainability Committee. Following the ASTM voluntary consensus process, the draft standards will be further scrutinized and commented on by a wide variety of stakeholders interested in this issue. Pursuing the extra step with ASTM International will aid in the value, recognition and applicability of the standards/guidelines.
Furthermore, various bodies, like the US Government, intend to use the ASTM standards. We encourage any interested party to become part of the ASTM effort and process. To learn more click here: ASTM.
The journey toward creating relevant, useful and applicable standards for green meetings has begun with APEX. We encourage you to participate as we advance this important initiative!
Interested in being invited to a City Discussion Group? Click here.
More questions about the Green Meetings and Events Practice Panel?
