This May, we published our new Green Event Guide. During the spring semester, Sustainability Analyst Melanie Elliott researched information to include in the guide. From there, our Green Office intern worked with Elliott to design the resource. The goal is for units across campus to reference the guide while planning events.
“Thinking about sustainability hurdles ahead of time can mitigate the overall footprint of an event,” said Elliott. “How are people going to get to your event? Is it close to a bus line? Where will they throw their trash? It’s these questions and more that spurred the creation of this guide.”
Elliott consulted with UNC Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling; UNC Environment, Health and Safety; Carolina Dining Services; and UNC Transportation and Parking to provide direction to campus groups hosting events.
The guide is presented in an easy-to-read format, with topics grouped under categories.
- Facilities: Includes information on outdoor venues, which minimize energy use. Also includes information on renting linens and tableware, along with audio/visual equipment.
- Waste: Includes a list of items accepted for recycling and compost on campus.
- Pollution Prevention: Includes information about who to reach out to when planning an event with potential pollution. Also includes information about prohibited activities on campus, like balloon releases or activities that could cause any chemical to go down a storm drain.
- Food: Includes information on Carolina Catering, along with a break down of the emissions associated with different types of protein.
- Accommodations: Includes information about parking, bus lines and lodging. This section also includes a chart of local hotels and the different sustainability features offered.
You can download the Green Events Guide here or by clicking on the image to the right. The guide is also available under the “resources” section of our website. Staff and faculty can view the guide through our Carolina Talent learning module.