WEFTEC always seeks to build in as many sustainable practices and choices as possible into planning our event.
From choosing the right partners to taking extra steps to ensure that most materials can be recycled, WEFTEC seeks to have the least effect on the environment as possible.
WEF is aware that large live events have significant environmental effects and is committed to minimizing WEFTEC’s environmental footprint both globally and locally. We are taking steps to better measure our climate footprint; taking actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible; and compensating for emissions that are unavoidable.
Matching Offsets
We are inviting attendees and exhibitors to join our conservation effort by offsetting the greehouse gas emissions generated by travel to and from New Orelans. You can opt in to select your contribution during the WEFTEC 2022 registration process.
Your contributions will be applied to purchasing Certified Emissions Reductions (CERs) from the United Nations (UN) carbon offset platform. These CERs are generated from Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects, which are in developing countries to offset unavoidable emissions or as a contribution to the global climate action. Carbon offset icons on conference badges will acknowledge contributors. To reinforce our commitment to carbon neutrality, WEF will match your contributions up to $10,000.
Convention Center Upgrades
Also, since we have visited New Orleans last, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center began its Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification process. Begun in 2021, this assessment, when completed, will recognize the convention center as one of the largest “green” buildings in the U.S. Attaining this certification means, reducing energy use, water, and waste, and having a green and healthy facility for visitors.
New Lighting and Cooling
People returning to WEFTEC will notice a brighter and better lit exhibition. The convention center completely changed more than 5,000 exhibit hall light fixtures to LEDs in 2021. This project was one of the largest energy upgrades ever undertaken in the region. This change, along with behind-the-scenes LED lighting replacements and HVAC upgrades, will reduce building energy use by 10% to 15%. As bonus, the new lighting also looks great.
The convention center also rebuilt its heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) plant with a new control room and operations center. This included replacing four 1,200-ton water cooled chillers with new high efficiency systems.