Edmonton’s Shaw Conference Centre (SCC) has received the Recycling Council of Alberta’s 2010 Corporate Leadership Award, in recognition of its environmental and corporate social responsibility.

Starting with its “Simple Steps” program in 2008, SCC has embarked on a series of sustainable and green initiatives. The award recognized the centre’s efforts, including: 

• Diversion of 110 tonnes of organic waste through composting (equivalent to half of daily waste)
• Recycling of 40,000 pounds or 18,144 kg of cardboard annually
• An expanded recycling program to include cardboard, batteries, used building supplies, and plastic products
• A self-monitoring assessment tool called eco-report card, providing information on pre- and post-event practices, hotel practices, delegate behaviour and waste diversion
• A sustainable event planning guide to help event planners incorporate green practices.
• A food recovery program that donates unused and surplus food to those in need.
• Partnership in Fresh, which promotes partnerships between event planners and uniquely Edmonton businesses, producers and activities.

“This award recognizes our ongoing efforts to be an industry leader in socially and environmentally responsible event-planning,” says Cliff Higuchi, SCC Assistant General Manager. “Achievements and recognition such as this one is part of what gives us a competitive edge when we market to meeting and conference planners.”

Established in 1987, the Recycling Council promotes waste reduction, recycling and resource conservation in Alberta. SCC’s award is part of the council’s annual Rs of Excellence Awards.

Certified a Go Green venue by the Building Owners and Managers Association in 2008, SCC is currently undergoing the LEED certification process for existing buildings. Opened in 1983 and managed by the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, SCC hosted 710 events and 530,000 guests, and generated $43.5 million in economic impact in 2009.

Media contact:
Renée Worrell
Communications Manager
Phone: 780.932.4865
E-mail: rworrell@edmonton.com  

Managed by Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, the Shaw Conference Centre is one of Canada’s premier meeting, entertainment, and convention venues, and encourages socially and environmentally responsible event-planning. For more information, visit www.edmonton.com. Learn more about Edmonton through the stories of people who've experienced it at www.edmontonstories.ca.