SEATTLE—Bell Harbor International Conference Center has completed a one-year research study to calculate its carbon footprint, in an effort to become a more eco-friendly meeting and event destination. As a result, Bell Harbor is better prepared to work with groups to identify ways to reduce an event’s carbon footprint and ultimately lessen its impact on the environment.
“As Seattle’s premier conference center, we are happy to be leading the charge in making greener meetings available to our guests,” said Greg Werry, general manager of Bell Harbor International Conference Center. “Our waterfront location on beautiful Puget Sound is a constant reminder that we need to do our part for the region and the world.”
“Bell Harbor International Conference Center has been a significant partner in helping the Port of Seattle to reduce the carbon footprint at Pier 66,” said Dennis Scott, Port of Seattle facilities maintenance manager and supporter of the Bell Harbor carbon footprint research study. “The Bell Harbor team has reduced the venue’s waste stream through increased food and material recycling and has been a major contributor in energy conservation efforts by reducing electricity, steam and water consumption.”
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Bell Harbor worked with a local environmental consultancy to determine its carbon footprint, which was determined by the total output of greenhouse gas created through energy use, transportation and waste production. Upon completion of the study, Bell Harbor’s meeting and event planners have become educated on ways to reduce an event’s carbon footprint by encouraging groups to:
• Utilize water stations rather than bottled water;
• Take notes on white boards instead of paper flip-charts;
• Limit use of notepads;
• Consider the use of reusable nametags, as well as electric, online files rather than printed materials; and
• Encourage carpooling among event or meeting attendees.
In December 2009, The International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) awarded Bell Harbor with Gold Tier status for the conference center’s commitment to the IACC Code of Sustainability, an extensive outline of the most up-to-date environmental practices relating to education and awareness, water and energy conservation, waste management, air quality and more. Bell Harbor, one of just two Washington state properties on the Gold Tier, qualifies for this distinction based on its commitment to the sustainability initiatives outlined in the code.
Bell Harbor eliminates tons of food waste each day by donating leftover food to local food banks, maintaining a composting program and recycling kitchen grease into bio-fuel that is used to power Port of Seattle vehicles. All food and beverages are served using reusable flatware, dishes, napkins and cups. In addition, the conference center serves fair trade coffee and uses locally grown food whenever possible. Its current recycling rate is 70 percent, well above the City of Seattle’s goal of 60 percent. In April 2008, the venue earned a four-star rating from EnviroStars, a nationally recognized program that certifies businesses that reduce, recycle and properly manage hazardous waste.
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