Council Sustainability Efforts

We are commited to increase sustainable practices throughout the conference and demonstrate our commitment to change, including:

• Conference Program – The Council is reducing the amount of paper used at the conference - thus no inserts - and use of other materials, thus no bag. The program is printed with soy inks on 100% recycled content, 100% post-consumer waste, processed chlorine free. Printed locally to reduce emissions due to shipping, we encourage attendees to recycle the daily newsletters and conference programs in marked recycle bins. For each newsletter and program printed, the Council will be planting a tree through the Arbor Day Foundation.
• Badges - In an effort to recycle materials, before you leave, please leave your badge holder and lanyard in a recycle bin near Registration so that it may be repurposed for another event.
• Water Conservation - Please be mindful of your personal use during your stay. We ask guests to exercise the option to keep their bed linens and bath towels for the length of their stay. Also when dining at restaurants only be served water if you plan on drinking it. We request attendees to bring their own reusable water bottles and we will provide filling stations throughout the conference.
• Sustainable Seafood and Food Waste – Any seafood provided during the conference will be sustainable as listed on the approved list provided by Monterey Bay Seafood Watch List. The Hilton Anatole donates left-over food to local food banks and soup kitchens when possible and appropriate. The hotel is conscious to use and source preferred seafood vendors that use environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.
• Carbon Offsets – The Council will have buses to provided transportation for offsite conference sessions. These buses are Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) motor coaches. The diesel exhaust fluid solution is a component of the Selective Catalytic Reduction system now present in diesel engines. This system lowers the level of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide, two gases that are produced during the diesel combustion process. Dangerous emissions are reduced when the diesel exhaust fluid is sprayed into the exhaust system which then converts the unwanted emissions into nitrogen and water that doesn’t harm the environment. The Selective Catalytic Reduction System and the DEF comply with the current EPA standards for lower pollution standards. We will be encouraging those traveling by air or ground to consider purchasing carbon offsets and The Council on Foundations will be buying carbon offsets for all ground transportation provided throughout the conference through TerraPass.

Miami Sustainability Statement

Threats to our natural resource and energy systems undermine the potential for the success of our philanthropic work. A commitment to sustainability is therefore a significant factor in the determination of conference locations. The city of Miami is dedicated to sustainability in its community though mitigation and educational outreach, with a particular focus on reducing the causes and effects of climate change through efforts such as recycling, waste reduction, green infrastructure, and generally reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released into the environment.

With a goal of benefiting government operations, the community, and the environment, Miami’s sustainability planincludes efforts in:

• green building and housing,
• solid waste management,
• water conservation and quality improvement,
• energy conservation,
• alternative transportation,
• natural resource and ecosystem management,
• community outreach and engagement,
• green procurement,
• economic development and planning,
• air quality and climate change.

Conference Hotel

Loews hotels embraces their responsibility as environmental stewards and commits to developing sustainable practices as a leader in the hospitality industry. In partnership with Energy Star, Greens Meetings Industry Council, and other green initiatives, they are dedicated to practices such as:

• Food Donations in partnership with America's Second Harvest
• Seasonal and locally sourced menus
• Linen/terry policy
• Banquet/back-of-house recycling
• Eco-friendly Inks and Papers
• Energy Technologies including; Low-flow shower heads, compact fluorescent light Bulbs
• Green Training
• Green Teams

Loews Miami is further committed to:

• Repurposing kitchen and engineering areas through an exchange system where the old oil is recycled instead of disposed
• Tracking Energy Consumption and successfully reducing electricity consumption through use of LED’s and AC controls
• Tracking recyclables through Waste Management so their intake can be monitored and recycling efforts annually increased.

Housekeeping green efforts:

• Linen, and terry is changed every 3rd day of guest’s stay, unless the guest specifies otherwise.
• After cleaning every checkout, a/c thermostats are set to 72 degrees to conserve electricity
• Thermostats inside guest rooms contain a sensor that shuts off the a/c when windows and balcony doors are left open
• Double sided printing to save paper
• Partnering with EcoLab to provide ecofriendly cleaning chemicals and pest control options
• Partnering with Clean the World and donating used soap, shampoo, and conditioner to be recycled
  • Since 2009, Loews Miami has donated 29,763 lbs of soap products.
  • This has resulted in over 90,000 new soap bars, and 24,672 used bottles recycled in to hygiene kits being distributed to people in need
  • In addition, 9,252 lbs of plastic were recycled