Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 1
ORACLE OPENWORLD SAN FRANCISCO
Fifth Annual Event Sustainability Report
Prepared for Oracle by MeetGreen® | December 2012
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE EVENT STRATEGYPAGES 1–5 PAGES 6–9
PROGRESSPAGES 10–24
03 | Program
04 | Scope
05 | Successes
06 | Timeline
07 | Objectives
08 | Stakeholders
09 | Issues
11 | Waste
14 | Energy
16 | Carbon
18 | Water
19 | Purchasing
23 | Legacy
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 3
THE EVENT
Oracle OpenWorld is the world’s largest information technology event dedicated to helping enterprises understand how to harness the power of information. The event provides a platform for Oracle customers, partners, and employees to discover, integrate, and promote hardware and software tools for business. Oracle solutions assist with database development, enterprise resource planning, and customer relationship and supply chain management. Oracle hosts three Oracle OpenWorld events in Asia, Latin America, and the USA. While each event develops and implements a sustainability plan, this report focuses on Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco, which was held September 30 – October 4, 2012.
Oracle OpenWorld is the most important event for Oracle users and technologists. Additional conferences included with the San Francisco event in 2012 provided specialized learning and networking opportunities and were also subject to Oracle OpenWorld’s sustainability plans. These events included:• The Executive Edge @ OpenWorld• Oracle PartnerNetwork Exchange @
OpenWorld• Oracle Customer Experience Summit
@ OpenWorld• JavaOne (photo left)• Java Embedded @ JavaOne• MySQL Connect
HARTMANN STUDIOS
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 4
THE EVENT
51,968
437
406
Attendees from 123 countries
Partner and customer exhibitors
Oracle demos in the Oracle OpenWorld
DEMOgrounds
2,523
142,000
3,000,000
Sessions featuring 3,570 speakers
Cups of coffee
Social media interactions
US$120 millionEconomic impact on San Francisco
104,097Hotel room nights occupied
14Venues used
63,000Lunches served
HARTMANN STUDIOS
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 5
Sessions featuring 3,570 speakers
40%
45% reduction in the square footage of signage sent to landfill since 2011, resulting in part from eliminating 8,000 square feet of decal signs
85%of menu ingredients sourced within the region from suppliers that include Alba Farms, CaPay, Home Maid Ravioli Company, Wo Chong Company, and Limoneira
8% improvement in diversion of waste from landfill, achieving a record 91% diversion for the Oracle Appreciation Event
reduction in fuel use for ground shuttles since 2008
18 hotels recognized on the event housing Website for meeting nine minimum “green” guidelines
TOP FIVE SUCCESSES
Oracle OpenWorld is on the cusp of improving the following event practices, making them good targets to consider for the 2013 event:
1. Reduce sign use, eliminate foamcore,
and improve sustainability of adhesive
substrates
2. Embed carbon offset cost in event fees to
improve offset rate beyond 12%
3. Exhibit Hall waste management
improvements in Moscone West and South
4. Source a more sustainable name badge
option
5. Harness the mobile application to provide
more sustainability experiences and
information to attendees
TOP FIVE OPPORTUNITIES
What an amazing journey this green quest has been. With Oracle’s commitment and determination and MeetGreen’s patient, capable
and relentless shepherding, a far more aware and responsible culture has emerged throughout Moscone Center. Our entire team takes great pride in the ability to truly make a significant difference, not
only for San Francisco, but the industry as a whole.
Bob Sauter | General ManagerMoscone Center
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 6
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco sustainability baseline captured
Oracle Event Sustainability Manual created
Orientation and training for Oracle headquarters staff
On-demand screencasts created on key topics
First Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Plan, Audit and Report (annual)
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco “Green Team” established
Oracle Event Sustainability Vision and Policy created
San Francisco event wins IMEX Green Meeting Silver Award
Oracle Global Green Event Team established
35 “green” event pilot projects in 25 countries
Oracle OpenWorld Beijing Sustainability Plan, Audit and Report (one-time event)
First Oracle OpenWorld Latin America Sustainability Plan and Report (completed annually)
Online toolkit created for the Oracle Global Green Event Team
Oracle Global Green Event Team minimum guidelines adopted and launched
Oracle Event Sustainability Manual updated
First Oracle Global Green Event Team Annual Report summarizing efforts at 1,400 events in FY12 (internal)
Oracle OpenWorld Tokyo Sustainability Plan and Report (one-time event)
Fifth Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Plan, Audit and Report
Oracle OpenWorld Shanghai plan underway
SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGYOracle’s sustainable event efforts have evolved over the last five years as a voluntary initiative by Oracle Event Marketing. The program began at Oracle OpenWorld 2007 in San Francisco and has since expanded to involve 1,400 global events in 2012.
TIMELINE & KEY MILESTONES
Hartmann Studios is proud to partner with Oracle to execute one of the most informed and aggressive sustainability programs in our industry. Each year the Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Green Team introduces new ideas and practices,
and sets increasingly challenging goals for its members in an ongoing effort to achieve the lowest possible environmental impact at Oracle OpenWorld. Our work toward these goals and our contributions to the program have sharpened our
sustainability skill set, and helped us to be prepared to operate in an increasingly green-conscious industry.
Sophia Campodonico | Project Manager | Hartmann Studios
MEETGREEN®: SHAWNA MCKINLEY
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 7
SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ORACLE EVENT SUSTAINABILITY VISION
Support Oracle’s environmental brand and policy and build a position of leadership by improving the overall attendee experience and Oracle brand experience through ideas and practices that reduce environmental impacts, positively contribute to society, and provide economic efficiencies. At a practical level, Oracle Marketing stages more-sustainable events by:• Rethinking how gatherings can align with sustainable business
goals• Reducing energy, water, and material use• Reusing materials where possible• Recycling any materials remaining from events
OBJECTIVE
01 | Improve overall event sustainability
02 | Reduce event waste
03 | Improve food sustainability
TARGET
90% MeetGreen® Calculator score
75% diversion from landfill
8,000 food miles per function
75% of food within 250 miles
25% of food certified organic
OUTCOME
89% MeetGreen® Calculator score
70% overall diversion (8% increase)
59%–91% diversion at 14 venues
5.25 lbs per person
5,252 food miles per function
85% within 250 miles
7% certified organic
04 | Improve hotel adoption of sustainable 75% of hotels adopting each guideline Achieved for eight of nine guidelines
practices
05 | Improve carbon offset rate
06 | Improve signage sustainability
Label hotels achieving all minimums
100% of emissions offset
Minimum 25% reuse
18 “green” hotels identified on housing site
12% of emissions offset (up 11%)
71% designated for reuse in 2013
Not to exceed 14% of signage to landfill 3% landfilled (45% reduction by area)
07 | Improve name badge system Use recycled badge holder Nonrecycled badge holder used
Retain minimum 50% of badges for reuse Lanyards retained for reuse
Ensure nonreusable badges are recycled Biodegradable badge card used
It has been amazing to be a member of Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco’s Green Team, a group who continues to create green and sustainable events year after
year. As a member since 2010, it has been a rewarding experience to witness Oracle’s proactive manner in making each conference more sustainable than the
last. This movement has provided a positive impact to well over 46,000 people. I’m proud to say I have played a small part in Oracle’s bigger picture.
Kimberly Lee | Manager, Convention Services | San Francisco Travel
PHOTO: MEETGREEN®: SHAWNA MCKINLEY
Did you know...
Oracle OpenWorld 2012 retained enough signs for reuse to cover
five football fieldsand enough carpet to cover over
three football fields?
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 8
SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
Network: The Influencers• Existing and potential customers not
attending the event• Local community/government• Event auditor• Meeting & event industry• Oracle Corporate Citizenship• Standardization and reporting bodies
(Global Reporting Initiative, ISO 20121)
Hardware: The Tools• Social media • Event evaluations • City Hall bylaws, citizen complaints• Meeting industry bodies, including
education provided by the Green Meeting Industry Council, Meeting Professionals International, and the Corporate Event Marketing Association
Programmers: The Producers• Oracle Event Marketing• Oracle Procurement• Event vendors
User Groups: The Audience • Event partners & sponsors• Virtual & in-person event attendees
Anticipating and responding to the needs of stakeholders is a critical cornerstone of event sustainability. User groups like attendees and partners have sales, learning, and networking objectives they want to achieve while participating in Oracle OpenWorld. For them the effectiveness of the experience is penultimate, making their concerns a number-one priority for event programmers. Oracle staff and vendors must keep attendee needs in mind, and balance these with budget, local resident, and environmental concerns. Others in the event network who are not directly involved in planning may also influence the event sustainability plan. These include Oracle Corporate Citizenship, event auditors, local government, the event industry, and event sustainability standardization and reporting bodies.
STAKEHOLDERS
The Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Green Team follows a consistent approach to integrate sustainability into event planning. Although not independently certified, this approach is heavily influenced by ISO 20121 Requirements for the Event Sustainability Management System. The process is led by Paul Salinger, Vice President, Oracle Worldwide Marketing and administered by Kelley Young, Manager, Oracle Event Marketing. Independent verification and reporting is provided by MeetGreen®.
PLANNING PROCESS
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Green Team members execute commitments onsite, including reporting on problems and measured outcomes. Third-party inspections are conducted during the event.
A half-day workshop to discuss challenges and propose opportunities to act is conducted at the beginning of each planning cycle. All key staff and vendors are involved and contribute ideas and feedback regarding their scope of work and opportunities and challenges they have identified. Overall priorities and targets are set during this time.
Action items are adopted, assigned, and documented. Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Green Team members provide virtual updates according to a quarterly schedule. Smaller working group meetings on certain tasks are held as necessary to plan and troubleshoot.
Data is submitted by vendors to MeetGreen® for verification. Feedback and ideas for next year are invited at this time to inform next year’s plan. A final report is completed on outcomes and progress against targets.
Kickoff Meeting Action Plan
Postevent Onsite
HARTMANN STUDIOS MEETGREEN®: SHAWNA MCKINLEY
MEETGREEN®: SHAWNA MCKINLEYMEETGREEN®: SHAWNA MCKINLEY
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 9
Description
High degree of influence
Moderate degree of influence
Low degree of influence
CARBON FOOTPRINT
Oracle OpenWorld has a significant carbon impact:
45,396 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents. These
emissions contribute to climate change and organizers are urged to measure, reduce,
and offset them.
Show management freight, generator fuel,
staff travel, carbon offset program
Attendee travel during event (shuttles),
landfill, and food waste
Attendee travel to and from event,
exhibitor freight
WASTEMANAGEMENT
Oracle OpenWorld 2012 produced an estimated quarter- million pounds of landfill waste. An
additional 600,000 pounds were diverted from landfill, requiring
a massive effort on the part of 14 venues, 65 recycling monitors,
and other planning staff.
Oracle purchasing, temporary venue
activities at Treasure Island, Union Square,
Taylor Street, and Yerba Buena Gardens
Permanent facilities contracted by Oracle,
including Moscone Center and hotel venues, exhibitor
materials, and practices
Offsite attendee purchases and
activities
LOCAL RESIDENT
IMPACT
Although positive economic impact is
welcome, disruption to residents is
inevitable with a large event. Streets are
closed. Parking is at a premium. Transit,
restaurants, and shops are crowded,
and after-hours events cause a
mix of annoyance and enjoyment. Organizers work
closely with bylaws, traffic, and police departments to anticipate and
respond to issues.
Noise levels, cleanliness, safety, and
security in occupied space
Buy local programs, destination and event information services
for attendees and locals
Attendee actions and conduct outside of
occupied space
EVENT BRANDING
Painting the town red creates a strong
brand presence and environmental
impact. While some signage is
necessary to create a sense of space and
provide directions for attendees,
solutions must also be sustainable. This can be achieved by
minimizing un-necessary signage, maximizing reuse, and choosing sign
substrates that have environmentally
redeeming qualities.
Oracle-produced signs and collateral
Exhibitor and sponsor signs and collateral
Availability of greener substrates, especially
for outdoor and adhesive applications
The following list identifies primary sustainability issues for Oracle OpenWorld. This is not a complete list, but includes issues that are most material, or significant, according to internal and external event stakeholders. While some issues may be important, Oracle’s ability to act on each issue varies. Actions by the event sustainability team to address issues are identified on a continuum between “low influence” to “high influence” in the table below.
ISSUES
SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco’s Green Team has demonstrated tremendous leadership. Travel and event emissions are a major issue for our planet that few companies have made a serious effort to address. Terrapass is honored to be able to help Oracle OpenWorld take responsibility for its emissions.
Nancy Bsales Manager Business Development
Terrapass
HARTMANN STUDIOS
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 10
PROGRESS REPORTThe following sections provide a summary of progress by Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco’s sustainability plan over the last six years, in addition to the specific outcomes for 2012. The MeetGreen® Calculator reports below give a snapshot of how different logistical functions combine to contribute an overall sustainability score for the event.
In each section feedback is provided on the completeness, accuracy, and comparability of the initiatives undertaken and data provided.
Is the scope of action undertaken and data collected fully described? Are notable things excluded?co
mpl
eten
ess Does the
information and data provided have a high degree of certainty? Are estimates used?
accu
racy Is there high
confidence in the data to allow evaluation across the event year to year?co
mpa
rabi
lity
dest
inat
ion
hote
ls
venu
es
trans
port
cate
ring
exhi
bits
com
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icatio
ns
& mar
ketin
g
onsit
e offi
ce
audi
o vis
ual
carb
on o
ffset
s
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco 2012
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco 2011
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco 2010
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco 2009
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco 2008
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco 2007
MeetGreen® Event Sustainability Summary
89.2%
86.0%
81.7%
70.0%
61.7%
33.8%
MeetGreen® Event Sustainability Comparison
The summary shows progress to request, implement, and measure sustainable practices in each area of the event.
The comparison measures total compliance with sustainable practices assessed using the MeetGreen® Calculator. Oracle OpenWorld 2012 is presently the highest-scoring corporate event in the Calculator.
100%
75%
50%
25%
Graphs not to exact scale
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 11
A
com
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sWASTE
A
com
para
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B+accu
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WASTE INDICATORS
01 | Landfilled (pounds)
02 | Recycled (pounds)
03 | Composted (pounds)
04 | Donated (pounds)
05 | Total waste (pounds)
06 | Landfill diversion total
07 | Landfill diversion range (venues)
2009
185,598
149,261
94,740
13,982
443,581
58%
51%–88%
2010
185,598
164,625
131,837
20,623
527,510
60%
38%–74%
2011
240,892
229,046
157,700
14,702
642,340
62%
33%–87%
2012
272,714
290,996
324,781
14,394
904,897
70%
56%–91%
08 | Landfill per person 4.96 5.18 5.23 5.25
FIVE-YEAR PROGRESS 2012 OUTCOMES
• Total event waste is increasing as event attendance increases.
• Event landfill per attendee has increased slightly. The rate of increase is dropping.
• Diversion of event waste from landfill is steadily improving, achieving a four-year high of 70% in 2012.
• The range of waste diversion from landfill across all venues has improved from 51% to 88% in 2009 to 56% to 91% in 2012.
• The amount of material sent to landfill per participant at Oracle OpenWorld was similar between 2011 and 2012 and short of the target of less than five pounds per person.
• Oracle OpenWorld experienced its greatest single-year improvement in diversion of event waste from landfill in four years, increasing 8% over 2011 to 70%. This fell 5% short of the target diversion from landfill rate of 75%.
NOTES:• Event waste data prior to 2009 did not include metrics from all venues, so analysis is based on 2009–2012 data.• Event waste metrics are directly reported by Recology and venues.• Waste diversion metrics are calculated by weight and may be converted from reports disclosing only volume. When conversion is necessary factors
suggested by Recology are used.• Food waste fact by National Resources Defense Council: nrdc.org/living/eatingwell/saving-leftovers-saves-money-resources.asp (08/2012).
Moscone Center expanded a three-bin recycling system to prefunction areas in Moscone North and Moscone South, and the South Exhibition Hall in 2012. This program was previously limited to Moscone West prefunction areas only.
MOSCONE CENTER GREEN TEAM
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 12
WASTE
91%Increased diversion from landfill is attributed to improved waste handling at Treasure Island, Howard Street, Yerba Buena Gardens, and Taylor Street venues and extension of these practices at the new Oracle Square venue at Union Square. Central control of catering, waste, and purchasing at these venues and use of Green Angels front and back of house are major contributors. The large Oracle Appreciation Event held at Treasure Island achieved the highest diversion among venues: 91% of materials kept from landfill.
Green Angels
14A waste management working group was convened by Oracle in April 2012, including event agencies, representatives from 14 venues, and local waste management company Recology. This team discussed challenges and presented tools to address problems pre-event. Venues not already achieving 75% diversion were required to submit waste management plans to Oracle pre-event. While some venues improved, others experienced a drop in diversion. The net result, however, was positive with diversion improving across properties.
Waste Working Group
1717 different organizations received donations of usable event materials from Oracle OpenWorld 2012, including office supplies, furnishings, bags, and art materials. These groups included Food Runners, the Salvation Army, SCRAP, Larkin Street Youth Services, Marin’s Memorial Club, Clean the World, Hotel Non-Profit Collaborative, St. Vincent de Paul, Glide Memorial Church, Community Awareness & Treatment Services, Central City Hospital House, Marin De Porres House of Hospitality, Harm Reduction Therapy Center, Bay Area Women and Children’s Shelter, Boys and Girls Club, and the Brisbane and Bayshore School Districts.
Donation Beneficiaries
Did you know...
US$165 Billionin food is wasted every year in the United States? That amounts to 20 pounds and up to $43 per month for each American. Accurate ordering and food donations help ensure event food is not wasted.
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Permanent event venues should continue to be challenged to reach for the 75% waste diversion target. Only one hotel property was able to meet or exceed this target in 2012.
• Strategies to address contamination by Starbucks cup lids could improve diversion and reduce landfill.
• Exhibit Hall move-out continues to be a trouble spot. Exhibitor debris can increase landfill. Carpet and padding is being reused and successfully diverted.
• Attendees bringing disposable food service ware back to hotel guest rooms were identified as a new waste management problem in 2012, presenting challenges for hotels that are not equipped to handle guest room composting.
• Re-evaluate quantities of event materials needed (bags, totes) to ensure accurate amounts are ordered.
The goals of the Sustainability Committee are now part of how we want to do business every day. One of my favorite parts is getting to donate the leftover box lunches!
Jo Licata | Community Projects Manager Hilton San Francisco Union Square
MEETGREEN®: SHAWNA MCKINLEY SAN FRANCISCO MARRIOTT
HILTON SAN FRANCISCO UNION SQUARE: JO LICATA
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 13
WASTE
200,000 400,000 600,000 800,000 1,000,000
2012
2011
2010
2009
RecycleCompostDonationLandfill
Pounds of event waste by type
Diversion from landfill 70%
5.2 lbs
Oracle OpenWorld was one of the first events—and definitely the largest event—we have served that pressed the importance of environmental stewardship. This was clearly seen by our managers and staff and has helped us to elevate our own
environmental initiatives. Being able to show the focus of our clients on this topic has helped us to really drive home these practices. Thank you.
Derek Brauner | Director of EngineeringSan Francisco Marriott
HARTMANN STUDIOS
Graphs not to exact scale.
Landfill per attendee
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 14
B+
com
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Baccu
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B
com
para
bilit
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ENERGY INDICATORS
01 | Shuttle fuel (gallons)
02 | Freight fuel (gallons)
03 | Generator fuel (gallons)
04 | Venue energy (kwh)
2009
10,074
-
-
1,526,372
2010
9,045
8,583
-
2,098,280
2011
7,919
6,517
3,649
1,740,240
2012
6,487
7,566
3,254
2,299,661
FIVE-YEAR PROGRESS 2012 OUTCOMES
• Ground shuttle fuel use has dropped 40% since 2008.
• Freight fuel use is variable, but has dropped 12% between 2010 and 2012.
• Venue energy use appears to increase predictably in 2009, 2010, and 2012, but drops unexpectedly in 2011. Total use has increased as more space is needed for more attendees. It is difficult to directly associate changes in event energy use with actions by organizers. Building infrastructure and local climate are expected to have equal or more impact on energy consumption.
• 68 shuttles are used on peak, unchanged since 2011. Shuttle fuel use dropped by 1,432 gallons this year, reducing emissions by approximately 15 metric tons.
• Freight fuel is lower than the 2010 baseline, but use did increase 16% over 2011.
• Generator fuel use at Taylor and Howard Streets dropped 395 gallons compared to 2011. The reduction is attributed to local weather reducing demand.
NOTES:• Ground shuttle fuel includes all attendee buses for all events. Freight fuel includes show management freight reported by Schenker and Freeman.
Generator fuel includes any portable power employed at temporary venues like Treasure Island and Howard and Taylor Streets.• Venue energy is directly reported by venues. Scope includes meeting and guest room space used by Oracle.• Energy audit for AV completed by InVision and includes estimated energy consumption for lighting, video, and audio across all venues.
George P. Johnson has been proud to be part of Oracle OpenWorld for the past 12 years, and especially proud to have been on the event
Green Team for the past 5 years. GPJ has always been committed to implementing environmentally responsible policies and procedures
wherever possible both internally and on behalf of our clients, but Oracle has taken the commitment to sustainable events to the next level. They have asked us to make sustainability a priority across all
services, and as a result, we have asked our partner vendors to make it a priority. Year over year we have seen the transition from very few
green options in badge materials and hotels committing to sustainable practices, to it becoming an industry standard. We are excited to see
what a difference we can make in the next 5 years!
Neely Cormier | Director, Client Services | George P. Johnson
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 15
ENERGY
Walking hotels48% of hotels are promoted as “walking hotels” and are accessed by designated walking routes, rather than shuttles. Sponsored pedicabs were also available within the downtown core.
Shuttle nodesRemote hotels are serviced by shuttles that deliver attendees to BART rail stations. This prevents multiple daily trips by buses into the congested downtown core.
Moscone energy reportingMoscone Center significantly improved the accuracy of energy use reports as a result of their retrofit, which has earned the facility LEED® Gold EB certification.
Online transit hubOracle provides transit, car co-op, car-share, and ride-share information on the attendee transportation guide on the event Website.
an energy audit of audio visual equipment by InVision Communications following the 2011 event revealed that the potential carbon impact of AV is greater than the carbon impact of ground shuttles by an estimated 11 metric tons of emissions? In response, InVision is stepping up education and awareness among its staff and contractors to maintain energy-smart practices. These practices include ensuring energy-saving features on equipment are enabled, un-necessary equipment is turned off, and sustainability criteria are considered when sourcing rented or new equipment. InVision anticipates continuing energy audits of AV equipment every few years in order to measure the benefits of equipment upgrades.
Working with Oracle on their sustainability initiatives over these last five years has been
very rewarding for InVision Communications. As a company, InVision shares these same
values as part of our core principles. So whether we’re saving paper by not printing
documents, or taking a conference call instead of making the drive to Redwood Shores, InVision is happy to help make a
difference.
John O’Brien | Senior Producer InVision Communications
PHOTO: HARTMANN STUDIOS
INVISION COMMUNICATIONS
MEETGREEN®: SHAWNA MCKINLEY
MEETGREEN®: SHAWNA MCKINLEY
Did you know...
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 16
CARBON
B+
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Baccu
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CARBON INDICATORS
01 | Total CO2e emissions (metric tons)
02 | CO2e per participant (pounds)
03 | Emissions offset (%)
2009
-
-
0%
2010
36,479
1,978
0%
2011
41,228
1,974
1.4%
2012
45,396
1,925
12.2%
PROGRESS & OUTCOMES
• Total event emissions are increasing as attendance increases. Event emissions per person are fairly constant, declining by a very small amount.
• 91% of emissions are from attendee travel to and from the event. 7% are from guest rooms.
• Of the 2% of emissions remaining, carbon from ground transport and generators (both of which are within the organizer’s direct control), have dropped since 2011. Reductions were offset by increased emissions from waste and freight.
• Attendee participation in offsetting grew from 1.4% to 12.2% in 2012. This was below the desired target of 100% offset. Note the target was set anticipating an embedded mandatory offset for all registrants, which did not happen in 2012.
• Participation in offsetting increased because Oracle OpenWorld transitioned from an opt-in to an opt-out registration payment option for offsets. This typically improves participation 10 to 30%, depending on the audience. More emissions could be offset if costs were sponsored or embedded in registration and exhibitor fees.
NOTES:• Comprehensive carbon measurement began in 2010 and is completed by Terrapass. Offsetting was first offered in 2011. Scope of calculations include
registered attendee travel to and from the event, ground shuttles onsite, Oracle freight, all venue and hotel room energy use, landfill waste, and onsite generator and propane use. Virtual participation is not included. Attendee travel to/from is based on estimates of average travel distance for groups of attendees coming via different methods of transport (air, train, transit, car).
• Please refer to other sections of this report for additional information about carbon reductions and benefits.
Since participating on the Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Green Team, I’ve been amazed at all the
innovative ways that businesses in our industry are participating toward sustainability efforts in our
communities. Most organizations now have standards for being eco-friendly. As someone who does my best to
contribute to those efforts, at home and at work, seeing it in practice on such a large scale for an event like Oracle helps me to believe those efforts really make a difference.
Patti McDowell | Director, Account Management | Freeman
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 17
STRATEGY & RECOMMENDATIONS
CARBON
Event Emissions w
ithout travelPropane & Generator
SiteHotel
Shuttles
Travel
Freight
Waste
91% of total event carbon emissions are from ATTENDEE TRAVEL to and from event
7% of total event carbon emissions are from HOTEL GUEST ROOMS
2% of emissions are attributed to activities the event organizer can directly control:
=Generator power=Attendee shuttles=Freight=Landfill waste=Venue energy
==========================================================================================
Significant reductions in attendee travel emissions are possible, but difficult given attendee choice plays a large role and solutions may run counter to the concept of Oracle OpenWorld as an exclusive, onsite experience. Options to influence attendee behavior may include:1. Virtual event packages that provide a viable
experience and revenue alternative to onsite attendance. Exclusive, online-only offers might be considered.
2. Creative partnerships with airlines that promote reduced-carbon flights to the event, perhaps as a sponsorship option.
3. Incentivizing participation in other Oracle events that reduce attendee air travel, so participants are encouraged to opt for in-person experiences in their region.
4. Minor emission reductions could result from requiring low-carbon hotels to be used. This is difficult for organizers to control as this is a personal attendee choice that is often price-driven, and room block is already at capacity.
5. Small emission reductions could result if energy-conserving venues were given priority as event venues. This may be difficult based on space needs, which already limit venue choices. Climate also plays a significant role in actual energy use, making carbon impacts from venues somewhat variable year to year.
6. Oracle has the greatest ability and is already acting to influence reductions in shuttles and generator power. Strategies to reduce freight and onsite waste could produce minor emission reductions.
Event Carbon Emissions
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 18
WATER
C+
com
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accu
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B
C+
WATER INDICATORS
01 | Venue water use (gallons)
02 | Drinking water use (gallons)
2009
3,053,122
2,173
2010
3,576,384
1,735
2011
5,394,983
1,020
2012
3,735,229
1,252
PROGRESS & OUTCOMES STRATEGY & RECOMMENDATIONS
• Total water use appears to follow an expected pattern for 2009, 2010, and 2012. However, there is a spike in 2011 which is unexpected, and may indicate errors in reporting scope by venues. Similar to energy use, it is difficult to correlate organizer decisions to changes in water use. This is because building infrastructure plays an important role and precise metering is not typically possible. Venue water use should be considered an estimate at best.
• Drinking-water consumption increased by 232 gallons between 2011 and 2012 due to the addition of the new Oracle Square venue.
• Recent water efficiency upgrades by certain venues may contribute to reduced water use. For example, new low-flow fixtures at Moscone Center are expected to reduce water use by 40%.
• Hartmann Studios redesigned sponsored water stations in 2012. Conversion to bulk water stations has reduced onsite drinking water use by 71% since 2007.
• Prefilling of jugs increased onsite drinking-water use. This was done to meet attendee requests for more water on hot days.
NOTES:• Water use is directly reported by all venues, except Treasure Island, Union Square, Taylor Street, and Yerba Buena Gardens. These venues partially report
based on drinking water use, which is directly metered by Hartmann Studios.• Drinking-water consumption data includes all temporary event venues.• Water bottle fact based on data from International Water Bottle Association: bottledwater.org/news/earth-day-2010-finds-weight-plastic-water-bottles-
reduced-32-while-maintaining-very-small-envir (10/2012).
Did you know...
69,711individual plastic bottles have not been used as a result of providing reusable tumblers and hydration stations at Oracle OpenWorld since 2007? This has prevented the use of nearly one ton of plastic.PHOTO: HARTMANN STUDIOS
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 19
PURCHASING
B+
com
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B+
com
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PURCHASING INDICATORS
01 | Hotels reporting practices
02 | Total signs (sq. ft.)
03 | Signs reused (sq. ft.)
04 | Signs recycled (sq. ft.)
05 | Signs donated (sq. ft.)
06 | Signs landfilled (sq. ft.)
07 | Recycled content signs (sq. ft.)
2009
86%
75,796
28,074
14,793
19,320
13,609
39,590
2010
89%
112,600
19,209
39,004
39,368
15,020
47,819
2011
89%
141,750
46,320
50,453
22,153
22,824
58,759
2012
61%
391,241
277,684
52,212
48,788
12,557
87,478
08 | Renewable material signs (sq. ft.) 7,290 9,204 15,198 36,738
09 | Paper used (tons) 19.4 31.8 6.5 19.4
10 | Paper postconsumer content 30%/100% 30%/100% 30%/100% 30%/100%
12 | Catering local ingredients 60% 77% 88% 85%
13 | Catering organic ingredients 2% 19% 13% 7%
GROWTH MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
14 | Catering food miles 12,337 9,855 9,775 5,252
15 | Shuttles locally sourced - 100% 100% 100%
16 | Shuttles 2007 or newer 30% 34% 64% 70%
With the exception of ground shuttles and paper, Oracle OpenWorld requires more goods and services than ever before. To manage the impact of event growth, Oracle strives to comply with sustainability guidelines put in place for the following items:
MEETING SPACE GUEST ROOMS
CATERING SIGNS, PAPER & GRAPHICS
DECOR AND EXHIBIT MATERIALS AUDIOVISUAL
GROUND SHUTTLES NAME BADGES
11 | Carpet postindustrial content 25% 25% 25% 25%
NOTES:• Hotels report compliance against 27 guidelines. Nine guidelines are considered minimum to earn “green” status on the event housing site. Data is
collected via an online survey that is completed every second year in partnership with San Francisco Travel. 2012 results are based on a sample of 61% of all hotels contracted.
• Food and beverage data is based on sample purchasing reports by Savor and McCalls for 10 major functions, including all lunches, major receptions, and the Oracle Appreciation Event. These account for 70% of food purchases. Percentage of local and organic content is based on the number of ingredients used in an individual function. To be considered local, goods must be purchased either from a grower (in the case of produce, dairy, and meat) or processor (in the case of grocery or prepared items) within 250 miles of the event location. Organic and fair-trade goods must bear a recognized certification.
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 20
PURCHASING
As evidenced by the indicators on the preceding page, performance against sustainability criteria for purchased goods and services is being maintained or improved overall, with minor exceptions.
Guest roomsEighteen hotels met nine of Oracle’s minimum guest room guidelines. At least 75% of hotels implemented each guideline, with the exception of one guideline that fell below 75% participation: use of green-certified cleaners.
Ground shuttlesGround shuttle sourcing has improved since 2007 when sustainability criteria were not considered. 100% of shuttles are sourced within a two- to three-hour drive of the Bay Area and 100% use 2004 or newer technology.
Food miles and fair tradeFood miles fell from 12,337 in 2009 to 5,252 in 2012. Local and organic purchases have dropped over 2011, but local purchases remain above baseline. Fair-trade coffee was provided for receptions and the Oracle Appreciation Event.
Did you know...
Oracle OpenWorld 2012 has reduced adhesive signs by 4,400 square feet since 2009? That’s enough to cover
Event graphics & signageSign reuse improved from 37% in 2009 to 71% in 2012. Replacement of large tent graphics is required every three to six years and occurred in 2012. In spite of more signs being used, single use of vinyl and decals dropped between 2011 and 2012, reducing the total area of signage sent to landfill to a four-year low. Use of eco-board tripled. Foamcore use increased due to an ordering error.
• Food miles are measured using the total sum distance of ingredients from farm to table (in the case of produce, dairy, and meat) and processor to table (in the case of grocery and prepared items). Consolidation of multiple ingredients from the same seller is accounted for. Disposable service ware is not included.
• Signage analysis is based on square feet of signage used. Measurement includes temporary informational signs as well as graphics integrated into event structures (tents, barricades). This is directly reported by Oracle brand and creative staff, Hartmann Studios, and Freeman.
PROGRESS & OUTCOMES
100,000 200,000 300,000 400,000
2012
2011
2010
2009
ReusedDonatedRecycledLandfilled
Square-feet-event graphics by end-of-event use
I have been involved three years now and the Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Green Team and the professional way that it is run all year has been a huge inspiration to me. Teaching me that no matter the size of your event, you can start somewhere and make a difference. The Oracle internal team is a great leader and teacher of sustainability and has helped my company to join in the cause and many of the lessons are now everyday practices. The methods and learning from the event have helped to change the way we now do business every day. We are proud to be considered a partner in this effort every year.
Jeff Chase | Vice President of SustainabilityFreeman
FREEMAN
ORACLE
ORACLE
MEETGREEN®: SHAWNA MCKINLEY
MEETGREEN®: SHAWNA MCKINLEY
87 pool tables.
Graphs not to exact scale.
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 21
PURCHASING
Tasting sustainabilitySavor Chef Jeff Hall (pictured) provides information about food miles and local and organic content during tastings held in the spring, when menu decisions are made. The timing of these decisions is critical and enables orders to be placed early enough that food can be planted to meet demand.
Compostable disposablesHotels were required to secure Recology approval for all disposable service ware for Oracle OpenWorld 2012. This allowed the hotels to correct use of non-approved disposables that were causing contamination of their recycling and composting streams.
Ancillary event cateringHartmann Studios introduced new procedures to request and verify sustainable catering practices at ancillary events. This included the Westin St. Francis Systems Reception, Harding Park Golf Tournament, Yacht America, and Wayfare Tavern Executive Dinner.
Sustainability in menu selection
Data collection about food systems is time-consuming and complicated. Savor employs a purchasing analyst who provides information about ingredients that are sourced for meals, including disclosing names of processors and growers. Oracle is trying to learn more about who grows and processes food for the event so that informed purchasing decisions can be made.
One-time vinyl banner use was reduced by 8,700 square feet in part by taking advantage of new LED displays that were installed by Moscone Center as part of their LEED® retrofit. Adhesive sign use was also reduced due to the installation of new banner mounts on the Metreon, which have enabled Oracle to use recycled-content PET banners instead of decals. This material is able to be reused and diverted from landfill through Moscone’s donation program.
Working with Oracle has pushed us (willingly) to be more aware of our current practices and has helped us identify opportunities for further progress of our sustainability programs. We appreciate the partnership that has grown over the years with Oracle and we are proud to play a role in their sustainability efforts.
Jeff Hall | Director of Culinary Operations SAVOR . . . San Francisco
at Moscone Center
PURCHASING
Better signage infrastructure
HARTMANN STUDIOS
HARTMANN STUDIOS HARTMANN STUDIOSSAVOR
MEETGREEN®: SHAWNA MCKINLEY
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 22
PURCHASING
While it is possible to correlate some planning decisions to a direct reduction in event footprint, for other actions we can only estimate benefits. For example, booking more walkable hotels and integration of BART stations into attendee shuttle routes directly reduced fuel use. On the other hand, it is difficult to correlate reuse of signs to a direct reduction in waste, or changes in energy use. Still, it’s important to track and measure the estimated indirect benefits of these purchasing and planning decisions.
INDIRECT BENEFITS
Water bottle reductionsTap water hydration stations used in 2012 served enough water to fill 13,355 individual bottles. It would take an estimated 10,100 liters of water to manufacture this amount of water bottles.
Recycled content paperAlthough paper use increased onsite, organizers sourced 100% postconsumer recycled content for all Oracle-produced collateral items. Buying recycled content is estimated to save 450 trees.
Carpet reuseOracle OpenWorld 2012 used over 211,000 square feet of carpet. Several years ago this carpet might be considered disposable: used once, then rolled up and sent to landfill. Today tradeshows typically dispose 15% to 20% of carpet. Freeman retained 92%, or 50 tons, of carpet for reuse from the 2012 event.
Recycling and compostingOracle OpenWorld reduces carbon emissions by recycling and composting event discards that might otherwise go to landfill. Recycling of mixed materials is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by 376 metric tons. The net benefit of composting disposables and food scraps is estimated at 10 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents.
Economic costs and savingsSustainable practices have been estimated to reduce event costs by US$1.7 million since 2007. This enables investment in other areas of the event, including attendee experiences. 2012 is the first year that the costs and savings associated with sustainable practices have a net zero financial benefit.
NOTES:• Water bottle footprint assumes a 16.9 oz. bottle of PET-grade plastic. Eco-profile data for water footprint of bottles provided by Plastics Europe.• Environmental impact estimates for postconsumer recycled content paper were made using the Environmental Paper Network Paper Calculator Version 3.2. • Carpet reuse benefits estimated using data from the Carpet America Recovery Effort.• Carbon savings of recycling and composting estimated using the US Environmental Protection Agency Waste Reduction Model (WARM , updated 2012).
MEETGREEN®: SHAWNA MCKINLEY
MEETGREEN®: SHAWNA MCKINLEY
MEETGREEN®: SHAWNA MCKINLEY
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 23
LEGACYLEGACY INDICATORS
01 | Articles & press releases
02 | Onsite tour audience
2009
32
25
2010
45
30
2011
16
55
2012
5
50
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B
BOracle OpenWorld San Francisco’s sustainable event journey has been widely shared within and outside of the event industry. It is one of the few comprehensive, long-term case studies in event sustainability by a corporate event.
This event has been used as the foundation for a global sustainable event program by Oracle. This program has influenced 113 Oracle staff and agencies at 1,412 international events including Oracle OpenWorld São Paulo, Beijing, Tokyo, and Shanghai.
Oracle OpenWorld has been used as a platform to elevate sustainable event practices within the city of San Francisco. Invitations to share strategies and resources have been made by Oracle to other organizations hosting events in the city in 2012 and 2013, including America’s Cup 34, Greenbuild, VMWare, and Intel Developer Forum. The Oracle team also hosts an annual “Green” Tour of the event and delivers case study presentations to event industry peers throughout the year.
One is constantly hearing about how to “green” your meeting, but until you are actually put face to face with the how-tos, companies are wary to embrace it. And that is why Oracle OpenWorld proves again and again to be leaders in the meetings industry, and in the move toward sustainable events. Now in its second year, Oracle OpenWorld opened up its behind-the-scenes sustainability tour to 50 meeting professionals from the Bay Area, to showcase how a city-wide convention can minimize waste and save money! Seeing is believing—and because of the forward-thinking initiatives of progressive meeting planners at Oracle, 50 meeting professionals gained the inspiration and motivation to begin their journey into sustainable events, and we are that much closer to a world where “green events”are a practical reality.
Samantha Shaw, CMP National Sales Manager
AlliedPRA
FREEMAN
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 24
The Oracle OpenWorld sustainability commitment is the premier example of what is possible in integrating sustainability as a
business driver for event success. It is one of the most popular referenced case studies in our community of sustainability return
on investment and a stellar award-winning example of continuous improvement and the power of people
to make a difference through events.
Tamara Kennedy-Hill, CMP | Executive Director Green Meeting Industry Council
LEGACY
FREEMAN
Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Sustainability Report 2012 | 25
We welcome your feedback, questions, and other examples of event sustainability.
Please contact:MeetGreen® | 6220 NE Glisan Street | | Portland Oregon | 97213 | USAT: +1 503.252.5458 | F: +1 503.261.0964E: [email protected] | W: www.meetgreen.com
Report written by Shawna McKinley, MAEEC | December 2012
Photographs and data generously provided by Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco Green Team partners:Freeman, George P. Johnson, Hartmann Studios, Hilton San Francisco Union Square, Hotel Nikko, Intercontinental Hotel San Francisco, InVision Communications, Marriott San Francisco, McCalls, Moscone Center, Parc 55 Hotel, The Palace Hotel, San Francisco Travel, Savor, Terrapass, Westin St. Francis, Westin Market Street
© 2012 Oracle Corporation and MeetGreen®. All rights reserved.
HARTMANN STUDIOS