What is the Cisco Networkers Green Agenda?
It is widely understood that the future of the planet hangs delicately in the balance and that human activity is changing the climate. Cisco recognises this fact and that the time for change is now, requiring the entire Cisco community to get behind a committed response to leading this change. Cisco's Environmental and Sustainable Business Practices are at the heart of this change.
Recognising the need for an increased effort around the Green Issue, Cisco Networkers 2009 is committed to becoming an environmentally conscious event that contributes to the combined effort we are all making towards preserving the future of our planet. The Cisco Networkers Green Agenda therefore involves a number of key initiatives that focus on:
- The Venue - Barcelona and the CCIB
- Sustainable Event Management
- Materials Management
- The Use of Technology to Drive Change
- Playing Your Part in Helping Cisco Networkers to go Green
The following activities have been considered as part of this year's Green Agenda.
The Venue - Barcelona and the CCIB
Barcelona has its own green agenda known as Agenda 21 which includes promotion of solar energy, an environmentally sound waste management strategy, water consumption reduction strategy and an urban regeneration plan. The existence of Agenda 21 and the pedestrian friendly nature of the city make it an ideal choice to host Cisco Networkers 2009 and to enable a greener event.
The Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) is a sustainable building that aligns well with the event green objectives:
- The forum has natural cooling (flooded cover) using a layer of naturally collected water to regulate temperature
- The internal temperature is controlled using steam from the local water plant
- Some parts of the building are constructed from re-cycled materials
- Water management system that uses rain water is used throughout the toilet facilities
- The location of the venue puts it within walking distance of many of the local hotels which minimises dependency on local transport
Sustainable Event Management
This approach seeks to minimise the impact of an event on the environment. At the event you will experience:
- Easily located bins to recycle paper and plastics
- Minimal use of disposable materials for sessions and catering
- Services provided by suppliers with "green" credentials
- World of Solutions - reusable material used for stand construction
Materials Management
To minimise waste we will:
- Use of recyclable catering materials
- All disposed materials will be separated for re-cycling
- Bins will be provided for event badges to be collected and recycled
- Green merchandise has been selected where possible
- Minimise use of paper throughout the event - all breakout session material available on CD
The Use of Technology to Drive Change
Cisco Networkers this year is looking to make maximum use of technology
- Cisco's Digital Media Solution (DMS) will be deployed throughout the event venue to reduce the dependency on hard copy materials and printed signage
- Breakout Session presentations will be available on CD
- On-line tools that provide Registration and Session Scheduling capability as well as access to post event content - Networkers On-line
- Showcase of Cisco’s latest technology
Playing Your Part in Supporting the Cisco Networkers Green Agenda
Here are some suggestions on how you can play your part in helping to support the Cisco Networkers Green Agenda:
- Travel by public transport to the venue
- Turn off lights, air-conditioning and electrical items when leaving rooms
- Reduce room thermostats by 1 degree whenever possible
- Opt for electronic information rather than printed
- Set computers and peripherals to sleep when not in use
- Use the recycling facilities provided for any unwanted material
- Hand in badges and unwanted collateral on departure for recycling
Cisco White Paper – Achieving Enhanced Productivity and Business through Collaborative Working
Learn about the potential gains that can arise from an innovative and collaborative approach that is strategically aligned to both business and environmental agendas in the 21st Century.
Download your copy of the Achieving Enhanced Productivity and Business through Collaborative Working White Paper here.