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April 2009

IAPA Carbon Neutral Conferences!

IAPA is taking a carbon neutral approach at its health and safety conferences.  This approach is a pilot project, first launched at the IAPA Education is the Key 2008 Health and Safety Conference and Trade Show on May 27, 2008 in London, Ontario.

Every aim will be made to reduce the carbon footprint, or human impact, our conferences make on the environment. Producing an event completely void of a carbon footprint is extremely difficult, and in order to reach neutral status, IAPA will be offsetting the remaining carbon footprint by reinvesting in equal amounts of sustainable resources.

IAPA is using the International ISO 14064-1 process as a guide for identifying, managing, and reporting the carbon footprint of each conference.

Together, we can make our conferences an environmental success.  When attending these conferences, please take into consideration the following tips to reduce your own carbon footprint:

  • Carpool when possible
  • Turn off any lights, radio/TV, air conditioning/heater and close the drapes when you leave your hotel room for the day
  • Recycle any of your own waste (i.e. glass bottles, paper, etc.)
  • Register on-line, as opposed to printing paper registration copies
  • Conduct local site seeing by walking, carpooling, or taking public transit

Carbon Neutral – Q & A

What does carbon neutral mean?
Carbon neutral is a term used to describe the offsetting of a carbon footprint, or human impact, a particular activity or event leaves on the environment. Producing an event completely void of a carbon footprint is extremely difficult, and therefore, is achieved through a combination of reducing the amount of carbon produced by an activity and then, offsetting the remaining carbon footprint by reinvesting in sustainable resources equal to our footprint. This reinvestment is measured in ‘carbon offset units’ and the units are sourced through certified suppliers of renewable energy.

How are carbon footprints measured?
The carbon footprints produced by the conferences will be calculated using processes that are described in the International ISO 14064-1 standard for reporting and the requirements outlined in the Canadian Standards Association’s GHG CleanStart™ Registry for carbon neutral commitments. Self verification will also take place to confirm all carbon offset calculations.

What carbon footprints will be measured at our conferences?
Different measurements will be taken at our regional health and safety conferences and at Health & Safety Canada.  Examples of measurements that may be collected at these events include:

  • Energy use at the conference venue, including lighting and air condition/heating
  • Travel by IAPA staff and volunteer planning committee directly related to conference preparation
  • Travel by all IAPA staff and volunteers, conference delegates, speakers, exhibitors, media, and guests the day of the conference
  • Travel by delivery and return of IAPA conference materials and booth display
  • Energy associated with paper usage related to IAPA marketing and conference materials
  • Energy used in meal preparation
  • Energy use related to hotel accommodations for all conference attendees

What carbon offset units is IAPA going to be purchasing?
IAPA will be utilizing Less Emissions Inc. to coordinate the purchase of gold standard certified carbon offsets. A key qualifier for a gold standard offset is that they are sourced from developing nations in an effort to accelerate their development of clean energy.

Has the implementation of carbon neutral affected the cost of the conferences?
Yes, carbon neutral has slightly increased the cost of IAPA’s regional conferences. Historical data from the 2008 regional conferences was used to estimate the carbon footprint. This calculation, in combination with expected delegate turnout, and regular product and services increases, has resulted in an approximate increase of $10 from last year.  The affect of carbon neutral initiatives on the cost of Health & Safety Canada has yet to be determined and therefore did not affect 2009 pricing.  Data collected at Health & Safety Canada 2009 will be used to create a benchmark for future carbon neutral endeavours.

Is carbon neutral part of IAPA’s ISO 9001 registration?
No, IAPA’s ISO 9001 registration does not include its carbon neutral initiatives (no external audit by ISO on these processes and results). However, four IAPA staff have attended the Canadian Standards Association’s ISO 14064-1 Essentials GHG Inventories course to guide IAPA’s carbon neutral process. IAPA will be following the ISO Standard 14064-1 and all requirements outlined in the GHG CleanStart™ Registry to facilitate the carbon neutral approach of their conferences.

Why did IAPA decide to go carbon neutral?
IAPA prides itself in being a socially responsible organization. IAPA strives to educate people in safe and healthy workplace practices and sees the environment to be a natural extension of health and safety.

Who can I contact for additional information on carbon neutral initiatives at IAPA?
IAPA: 1-800-406-IAPA (4272), Paul Mansfield ext. 4024, or Ruth Barrett, ext. 2542, or Maria Perez ext. 2257.