As a scientific and professional organization whose members are keenly aware of environmental issues, AMS strives to be in the forefront of environmental stewardship. As atmospheric scientists, many members of the Society are particularly concerned about rapidly increasing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and associated climate change. The AMS Committee on Environmental Stewardship created guidelines that summarize the Society’s commitment to conducting conferences in a manner that stresses the responsible use of natural resources and the minimization of greenhouse gas emissions and other waste and pollutants. These guidelines are provided for coordinators, committees, contractors, and all AMS members, as well as AMS staff, and aim to educate and inspire continued mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions within both AMS and the larger society. These guidelines will be reevaluated as technologies and mitigation options continue to develop. Broad recommendations for organizing meetings are offered in the Professional Guidance Statement on Green Meetings. If you are interested in joining the AMS Committee on Environmental Stewardship, please contact Claudia Gorski ([email protected]).
Note that recycling areas will be located near the AMS Registration Desk and the Information Desk for attendees who would like to recycle their programs and/or plastic badge holders.
Carbon Offsets
AMS recognizes that personal travel to its professional meetings likely represents the largest contribution to the carbon footprint of its meetings and is probably a significant fraction of each attendee’s personal carbon footprint. The average round-trip commercial flight to an AMS meeting is about 1,000 miles and produces roughly 1,700 lbs. of CO2 per passenger. Consistent with the AMS Policy Statement on Climate Change, and in an effort to reduce emissions, AMS asks meeting participants to consider measures to offset the climate impacts of traveling to its meetings. At this time, AMS encourages either personal actions to reduce emissions or purchasing carbon offsets. More details are available for those that are interested.
A Whole New Angle on Sustainability
Phoenix Convention Center is dedicated to preserving and enhancing our environment. Sustainability is a core value integral to our daily operations. Our West Building is certified by the U.S. Green Building Council with a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating. The construction of the North Building incorporated the city of Phoenix green criteria and LEED standards. With focus on serving as stewards for the environment, we provide clients with energy-efficient venues.
Comprehensive Recycling Program
Phoenix Convention Center’s “co-mingled” recycling method makes recycling easy for our guests. By gathering, separating and processing materials including paper, metals, glass, wood and plastic, we produce more than 500 tons of recycled materials each year.
Energy and Water Efficiency
It is our promise to reduce the use of natural resources and to operate every day at the highest green level. Below are a few ways we keep that promise:
• 732 thin film solar panels reduce the convention center’s carbon dioxide emissions by 95 metric tons per year, providing enough electricity to power 12 to 14 average Phoenix homes.
• The Habitat Water Harvesting Garden uses condensation from the facility’s air-conditioning units to water the Living Wall and surrounding garden.
• High-efficiency irrigation systems and low-flow water fixtures assist in reducing water usage.
• A dedicated METRO light rail stop and hybrid cabs provide ample green transportation options.
• We use low-volatile or nonvolatile organic compounds in paints, carpeting, adhesives and sealants.
• We use vendors and suppliers that offer eco-friendly products and services.
Green Meetings Phoenix Convention Center upholds its reputation as a premier green meeting facility in North America by hosting meetings such as The Green Summit, Build it Green, SAP Tech Ed, National Apartment Association Green Conference and U.S. Green Building Council International Conference.
Sheraton Grand Phoenix is pleased to participate in a number of green initiatives aimed at preserving and protecting our environment. We are proud to be a Certified Green Hotel by the Arizona Hotel and Lodging Association. Learn more about the sustainability efforts at Sheraton Grand Phoenix >>
Join in our efforts by taking part in our Make a Green Choice program.
Energy & Water Conservation:
Waste Minimization & Environmentally Responsible Purchasing:
Enhanced Indoor Environmental Quality:
Raising Awareness:
Recognition & Awards
Maricopa County Clean Air - 2009
MAG Livable Communities Award
Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association’s (AZLTA) Green Certification - 2011
Please note that some of the sustainability initiatives above may be in process of being implemented and may not be available in some areas of the facility.