GES' Commitment to Green Steps
While other companies in the exhibitions and events industry are just starting to focus on environmental awareness, GES' commitment to be good stewards of our environment is nothing new. Since 1990, GES has been recycling carpet and has been committed to decreasing waste and using environmentally friendly products whenever possible.
"GES' Carpet Recycling Program is designed to reuse carpet in multiple ways," said Carol Cauthen, GES vice president of national accounts. "Aisle carpet used at GES exhibitions and events is cleaned and reused until it shows wear. Less worn sections of aisle carpet are then recycled to general booth carpet," continued Cauthen. "Once the booth carpet is worn, it along with the worn aisle carpet, are recycled for other uses such as covering piano dollies and lining the insides of crates or providing the carpet to companies that remanufacture it into flooring."
GES' recycling efforts include paper, cardboard, aluminum, wood, toner cartridges, plastics, and Plexiglas. In addition to recycling products, GES is committed to using recyclable and biodegradable products whenever possible. The extensive list of these types of products includes carpet made of 25 percent recycled material, recycled content visqueen, wastebaskets made of recycled material, carpet padding and many more. In addition, GES' offices are using biodegradable products such as trash bags and cleaning supplies.
Technology also plays a role in GES' green initiatives. Exhibitor manuals are now available online and CD Rom, and as technology continues to improve, GES is committed to investing in software and equipment specifically designed for a paperless environment.
"GES is a great partner to the Nielsen Sports Group in their support of the Green Steps program," said Cindy Sample, operations director Nielsen Business Media-Retail Group. "They have been a vital contributor in growing the program and adding value to its ongoing initiatives. Without hesitation, GES offered to provide the resources and financial support to implement recycled content aisle carpet for all seven of the Nielsen Sports Group events," continued Sample. "This was no small feat, both logistically and financially. GES has consistently been open to new ideas and helps pave the way to more environmentally friendly events."
GES continues to raise the bar, seeking environmental solutions that make sense for the company, our customers and the environment, and GES is working with vendors to encourage development and availability of more eco-friendly, cost effective alternatives.
GES is proud of the steps the company has taken since 1990 and GES is committed to increasing our use of environmentally responsible products. |
