2011 Midwest Energy Solutions Conference

SAVE THE DATE for the 2011 Midwest Energy Solutions Conference
taking place January 12-14, 2011 at the InterContinental Chicago.

Register Online

Registration now open for the

2011 Midwest Energy Solutions Conference

January 12-14, 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 negotiated a special rate for you at the conference venue, the Chicago InterContinental. Please visit the Housing link to the left for more information.


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