Éole Québec

The 2010 Eole Trade Show: An Eco-Responsible Event

Promoting green energy and having environment at heart, the managers of Eole Quebec Inc. took advantage from consulting services by Takt-etik and NI environnement, from technical support provided by Hôtel Val-des-Neiges management team, where the event was held, from logistics support by Côte-de-Beaupré RCM management as well as the collaboration from "La Giguerie" farm.

Together, Éole Québec and its collaborators have recovered:
- 40.39kg of organic matters (compost)
- 39.71 kg of recyclable paper/cardboard
- 55.36 kg of recyclable glass
- 78.45 kg of waste

Moreover, within the context of the trade show organization, Éole Quebec has taken measures in order to reduce the greenhouse gases generated by the event. Thus, the following measures have been taken:

Sensitization and communication

The following actions have been taken during the event:
- Hôtel Val-des-Neiges displayed posters announcing the eco-responsible aspect of the event.
- Promote electronic communication.
- Say that the event is an eco-responsible one.
- The printings have been made on 30% recycled paper and with biological ink.
- The documentation is given to the participant on a voluntary basis, which reduces waste.

Suppliers

Below are some actions undertaken regarding the choice of our suppliers:
- Menu promoting local and seasonal products
- 50% to 75% of our suppliers are located at less than 100km from the event
- More than 75% of the suppliers are located in the province of Quebec.

Material used

The following practices have been implemented:
- The break was eco-responsible and no waste resulted from it. In fact, Hotel Val-des-Neiges supplied glass plates, that are durable. Sugar, milk and cream were in reusable containers, and table cloths were made of fabric.
- There were no plastic bottles available under the big top. A drinking fountain was placed at the entrance and the participants filled their water bottle, given by La Côte-de-Beaupré RCM as a courtesy gift.
- The beer and cocktail glasses were made of recyclable plastic (plastic # 5).
- Most of the posters for the event are used year after year, since we do not print any dates on them.
- The participants were identified by adhesive name tags.
- The gifts that have been given by the management of Éole Québec during this event, such as packages and gift certificates, follow the stream of the event and are very eco-responsible.

Energy and Water Management

Hôtel Val-des-Neiges is three (3) green keys certified. It has instituted many initiatives in order to reduce energy and water consumption. The persons who rented a room at Hotel Val-des-Neiges during the Éole trade show were subjected to the eco-responsible solutions in place.

Surplus de nourriture

In order to reduce food waste and to have a positive impact on the community, Hôtel Val-des-Neiges has decided to give a second life to the surplus food from its kitchen. During the 2010 Éole trade show event, about 60 meals have been redistributed to the Ressources familiales de La Côte-de-Beaupré organization, which has for objective to help low income families.

Residual Material

Within the context of this event, the following measures have been taken:
- Gather the recyclable material and garbage containers two by two and put them in a prominent position with a sign that respects Recyc-Québec standards.
- Characterization of the residual material.
- Partnership with La Côte-de-Beaupré RCM and with the Giguerie Farm regarding the recover the organic matter generated by the banquets held during the event.

Food Services

All the plates and flatware used within the context of this event were durable and reusable.

Transportation

Indeed, the organization of such an event involves the transportation of merchandise as well as the displacements of numerous participants, resulting in various environmental consequences (air quality, greenhouse gases).

This is why we have organized a shuttle bus service to travel the golf tournament participants from the hotel to Grand Vallon golf course. This way, we have been able to reduce greenhouse gases for this event.