AIHA Connect Goes Green

AIHA Connect attendees told us they wanted a more environmentally friendly and responsible conference.  Here are some of the green, sustainable, and safety initiatives AIHA will implement in Columbus:

• Digital Advance Program and Final Program (we will offer a PDF version for you to print a copy if desired) with reduced page counts referencing online session descriptions, exhibitor information, and background details 
• Ticketless registration
• Digital Pathway Passport game 
• Digital signage outside meeting rooms and for directions
• Badges made from recycled materials, which can also be recycled
• Signs made of eco-board
• Recycle stations for paper, cans and bottles, and other items
• Water refill stations allowing attendees to refill personal water bottles

The Greater Columbus Convention Center is also a leader in practicing green initiatives, including:

• The North Building has been awarded the LEED Silver Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
• Creating the first indoor, vertical, and LED-lit hydroponic garden in a convention center. It generates up to 2.5 tons of herbs and vegetables each year, which is used throughout the center on custom menus and donated to local organizations.
• Offsetting 100% of its energy usage with renewable energy by purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) equivalent to the total amount of electricity used.
• Levy Catering offers biodegradable disposable serviceware, kegged coffee vs. brewed to order coffee, and sources locally to reduce impacts of transportation and fuel emission while also supporting small businesses and the local economy.
• Having a sustainable purchasing policy and follows the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle model to minimize waste. Paper products used throughout the facility are made with 100% post-consumer content and a single-stream recycling program exists with recycling and compost containers throughout the event spaces to collect and process recyclable materials. All disposable service items (plates, forks, straws, etc.) are compostable and are transported by GCCC’s commercial composter and turned into a soil amendment at their compost facility.
• Utilizing Indoor Air Quality and Green Cleaning programs to ensure building occupants have a healthy indoor environment free of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The cleaning equipment that the staff uses to maintain the spaces utilizes water or ionized water to clean and no chemicals are needed.

Here are a few tips you can do to go green while attending AIHA Connect 2024:

• Consider donating to a carbon offset program of your choice (or your company's) to balance your Connect carbon footprint
• Use public transportation or ride share
• Go wireless (rather than print)! Carry your mobile device and use our free Wi-Fi to note your "favorites" (sessions, speakers, attendees, and exhibitors) and take notes in the Connect mobile app.
• Recycle your paper, plastic, and glass in the receptacles provided throughout the convention center
• Bring a reusable water bottle to refill at the touchless water stations throughout the convention center
• Create a digital business card to share contact information with attendees, exhibitors, and others