Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert at the Palais: Setting the standard for green events

MONTREAL, March 16, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - From March 16 to 18, 2012, the Palais des congrès de Montréal will be hosting Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert, a consumer show that has established itself as a leader in the field of green events. In addition to promoting healthy and natural food, the organizers have been introducing measures aimed at reducing the event's environmental footprint for 15 years.

"The Palais team is proud to contribute to the Expo's success by supporting their green practices, which served as an inspiration for our own green event planning and hosting program," asserted Marc Tremblay, President and CEO of the Palais des congrès de Montréal. "In addition to delivering a BOMA BESt certified building organizers can access easily, the Palais also rolls out new and tangible sustainability measures each year, like the rooftop vegetable garden for instance." The garden is a perfect fit for the Palais' new chef, who loves cooking with products grown locally. As a result, the Palais' menu is being refreshed with increasingly regional cuisine.

"With over 15,000 participants, this event adds to the range of events being hosted, and to the advancement and success of the Québec tourism industry as a whole," indicated Québec Tourism Minister Nicole Ménard. "I would like to underscore the involvement of the Conseil québécois des événements écoresponsables, a partner of the Palais, in mentoring event organizers by providing a structured framework within which sustainability principles can be easily integrated in the planning and hosting process, the benefits of which enrich the entire Québec community."

Concerted effort
The measures undertaken by Expo Manger Santé revolve primarily around food (composting and usage of compostable tableware), communications (electronic communications and responsible printing), and raising awareness among exhibitors and visitors alike. Nevertheless, the biggest challenge the organizers have taken on is one every consumer or trade show can relate to: managing residual waste. Reducing waste at source and proactively sorting recyclable items are among the practices that will be used to maximize the reuse of any waste generated during the process of running the event.

Green convention centre
Recognized since 2005 as a green building under the Go Green program, the Palais is primarily known for its remarkable energy use performance, resulting in a nearly 40% drop in greenhouse gas emissions. The Palais has been Level 3 BOMA BESt certified since 2009, and its efforts continue unabated under its Sustainability Action Plan. The events it hosts is a tribute to its ongoing mentoring and championing of green events, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (2005), the RONA Annual Spring Show (2008), the 26^th Canadian Wind Energy Association Annual Conference (2010) and the 21^st World Energy Congress (2010). The Palais plays a key role in the community, and it is doing its part to change the course of events by being actively involved in the Montréal tourism industry's green committee and by being a partner in the Montréal Community Sustainable Development Plan.

The Palais: accessible and practical
Located in the heart of the city, the Palais is easily accessible either by car, public transit or on foot, especially since it is directly linked to the metro system and the underground city. Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert visitors will also have the opportunity to discover the products and services available year round at the Galeries du Palais, where dozens of merchants are always conveniently open for Montréal tourists, convention-goers and workers in the downtown core and Old Montréal, rain, snow or shine! Visit www.lesgaleriesdupalais.com to learn more.

About the Palais des congrès de Montréal
The mission of the Palais des congrès de Montréal is to attract and host conventions, exhibitions, conferences, meetings and other events. A public institution with a commercial vocation, the Palais generates major economic spinoffs for Québec and has contributed proudly for 28 years to sharing knowledge and enhancing Montréal's international reputation as a first-rate destination. For more information on the Palais des congrès de Montréal, visit www.congresmtl.com.

Source:
Chrystine Loriaux, Adm.A., B.A.A.
Director, Marketing and Communications
Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal
Phone: [phone]

For information:
Amélie Asselin
Advisor, Communications and Public Affairs
Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal
Email: [email protected]
Phone: [phone]

Louise Nassif
Public Relations
Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert
Email: [email protected]
Phone: [phone]