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2014 CDW

Green Meeting

Protecting our environment and the planet is of fundamental importance to the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) and its members.  Our green meeting strategy aims to lighten our environmental impact by:

Meeting Materials

  • NACWA has significantly reduced printed materials for conferences, and prints only what is necessary to the success of the conference.  All information on the conference is available at www.nacwa.org/14cdw.  
  • Materials that are printed for our meetings are printed on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper that is made with a minimum of 10% post consumer waste.
  • NACWA lanyards are made from 100% post consumer plastic, mostly plastic bottles.  
  • All NACWA Signage is made from reusable materials.  The NACWA Sponsorship Bio-Banner is made from the new revolutionary biodegradable PVC material.  When placed in a landfill, the Bio-Banner will literally vanish within 3-5 years unlike other vinyl banners that remain unchanged for decades.
  • NACWA staff also will be reducing paper usage as much as possible onsite, using ENERGY STAR certified computers and adopting other “green office” practices.

Recycling of Materials

  • Recycling bins for bottles, paper, aluminum and glass are available in the hotel throughout meeting rooms, guest rooms and at breaks.
  • Following the conclusion of the meeting, be sure to stop by NACWA’s registration desk to drop off your badge and lanyard – NACWA strives to recycle and reuse as many meeting materials as possible.

Other NACWA Meeting Policies

  • NACWA offers tap water at our conferences, so that we can all enjoy the product of our member’s labors and reduce waste.

Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel Environmental Policies

  • All guest rooms are controlled by an energy management system and lighting fixtures and light bulbs are classified as energy efficient.
  • Air handlers and temperature are adjusted by a system based on occupancy, outside air temperature and humidity.
  • This Hotel recycles cardboard, plastic, glass and paper and all guest rooms have recycling bins.  
  • Shower heads comply with the Water Conservation Act and heating hot water temperature is dependent on the actual outside temperature.
  • A battery recycling program as well as a fluorescent light bulb recycling program is in place.
  • Outdoor lighting is regulated by timers to reduce energy consumption.
  • Frequency of food deliveries is minimized to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during deliveries.
  • The hotel participates in a city wide amenity donation program; additionally, used furniture and equipment that is not liquidated is donated to local establishments.  
  • The Banquets Department recycles kitchen grease and uses flatware instead of plastic ware.
  • The laundry uses peroxide instead of bleach and the paint is currently being converted to low VOC.
  • All computer equipment that is being replaced is properly discarded to minimize landfill waste.
  • Computer printing by hotel staff is minimized and electronic data storage is recommended.
  • Cleaning schedules for A/C and refrigeration units are set up to reduce energy consumption.
  • Air filters are changed quarterly to reduce energy consumption.
  • The Hotel participates in the city of Chicago and the EPA Green Buildings program.
  • The Hotel has received our first green seal inspection and is working towards that certification.
  • The Hotel has an active “Green Team” which has sent out a proposal to install a green roof.