2011 Midwest Energy Solutions Conference

SAVE THE DATE for the 2011 Midwest Energy Solutions Conference
taking place January 11-13, 2011 at the InterContinental Chicago.

Register Online

Coming Soon: Registration info for the 2011 Midwest Energy Solutions Conference, January 11-13, 2011, InterContinental Chicago






Don't forget to add the Inspiring Efficiency Awards to your registration. Join MEEA as we recognize Midwest leaders who deliver groundbreaking advancements in energy efficiency in five categories: Leadership, Education, Impact, Marketing and Innovation plus a special Chairman's Award. Ticket required for entry.


HOUSING

MEEA has negotiated a special rate for you at the conference venue, the Chicago InterContinental.


Please click here to make your reservation online or call 800-235-4670 and mention you are with MEEA.


Did you hear about our venue? Current examples of InterContinental Chicago's commitment in action:

Recycling
  • Hotel has a recycling program for hotel waste (recycling paper, plastic, aluminum cans, cardboard and grease). Trash is sorted at the hotel loading dock and again at our material recycling facility vendor.
  • Paper Recycling program initiated with separation of recyclable paper in all offices
  • Hotel has a battery and light bulb recycling program (also available for employee personal use)
Energy and Resource Management
  • Hotel purchases 'Green Sustainable Energy Credits' for 50% of the energy it utilizes annually.
  • Hotel has installed a system with automated motion detection to conserve energy from lighting and HVAC when guest rooms are not occupied.
  • Energy efficient light bulbs have been installed where possible throughout the hotel.
  • Hotel has a towel and sheet re-use program, changing every three days unless requested otherwise by guest.
  • Toilet 'Tummies' have been installed in all Historic Tower guest rooms to reduce the amount of water utilized when toilet is flushed.
  • Aerators have been installed in all guest room sinks with expectation of reducing water use by 50%.
Waste Minimization
  • Housekeeping staff leaves partially used amenity bottles in guest rooms (new ones provided but partially used ones not removed).
  • Hotel uses glass and china (non-disposable) serving ware with the exception of 'To-Go' orders for food service. Hotel is currently sourcing vendors and obtaining bids for recyclable 'To-Go' containers and has committed to replace all food and beverage 'To-Go' serving containers with recyclable materials by November 2007.
  • Hotel uses cloth napkins wherever possible and is sourcing napkins made with recyclable paper for bar and 'To-Go' service.
  • Hotel donates appropriate table scraps and leftover food to local farms or composting sites.
  • Coreless toilet paper rolls introduced to reduce cardboard waste
Environmentally responsible purchasing
  • Hotel is sourcing cleaning products that do not introduce toxins into the air or water with commitment to replace existing products that are harmful by November 2007.
  • Hotel does not use VOC paints
Education and Community
  • Introduced 'Green Weddings' and 'Green Meetings' options for event planners
  • Bicycle rental and tours of Chicago neighborhoods made available to guests
  • Organic wine available in ENO
  • Culinary team purchases local produce and meats, organic where possible
  • Seeds distributed for planting to more than 300 employees
  • Green Resource Employee Action Team (GREAT) established
  • Green Newsletter launched
Future Projects:
  • Newspaper recycling containers will be placed on each floor and/or separation containers placed on our maid carts to improve newspaper recycling in the hotel
  • Increase our purchase of 'Green Sustainable Energy Credits' to 100% of energy utilized
  • Create a Green roof on the historic tower
  • Install solar thermal panels to heat hotel water (one of the greatest sources of energy use for hotels)
  • Purchase and install advanced lighting controls from Lutron
  • Achieve Energy Star rating for hotel
  • Director of Engineering will achieve LEED certification
  • Introduce recycling bins in lobby and public areas for guest use
  • Identify options for non-toxic dry cleaning
  • Develop and introduce a new 'Green Room' guest room concept that is allergen free, reduces waste and supports a sustained environment.
  • Guest 'Green' communication brochure will be developed with 'Green Travel Tips'
  • Provide secure bike storage area for our employees