AIME to Reduce and Offset Carbon Footprint

AIME is again working with Climate Friendly to take positive actions to minimise the impact of carbon emissions.

AIME will reduce waste, paper and transport and encourage exhibitors, hosted buyers and exhibitors to become more mindful of their responsibility to contribute to a greener event. Where emissions cannot be directly reduced, they will be compensated for by purchasing the highest quality carbon credits thereby supporting renewable energy.

Climate Friendly has calculated emissions for all air travel AIME controls, comprising paid for travel for hosted buyers, media, speakers, staff and VIPS. Other calculated emissions include electricity used by the venue, accommodation provided by AIME, paper consumption, waste, and all official AIME social functions.

Based on Climate Friendly’s calculations, AIME has offset 1,334.4 tonnes of emissions through purchasing carbon credits from renewable energy projects.

International renewable energy credits have been purchased from the Gudhepanchgani wind farm in Maharashtra, India, and the Kangwal Biomass project in Thailand.

Both projects reduce the need to burn fossil fuels to produce energy and have  sustainable development co-benefits.

These projects comply with the Kyoto Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Project standards and have the additional benefit of providing much needed energy security to a remote region that previously suffered from unreliable energy sources.

Paul Kennedy, MBE, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions Meetings and Incentive Events said, “We understand that our events and processes can have both a positive and negative impact on environmental, social and economic issues so our intention is to provide event management that wherever practicable minimises the negative and  maximises the positive impacts.”

AIME 09, the 17th AsiaPacific Incentives & Meetings Expo will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Australia on 17 an 18 February 2009.

See other recent news regarding: Travel News Asia, AIME, Melbourne, Travel Trade Shows