Vancouver

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Green Places & Spaces

A steadfast commitment to sustainability

We hear it all the time from our visitors: "It's so beautiful and green here!"

Green Economy

We can already claim the smallest carbon footprint of any major North American city, and we're a recognized leader in green building and sustainable planning. Important accomplishments include: over 50% of all trips in the city being by walking, cycling or public transit, reducing carbon emissions intensity for new buildings by 43% and reducing annual solid waste to landfill by 32%.

 

Fire Pit

 

Grass House

 

burdock food

 

As the birthplace of Greenpeace and on track to being Canada's greenest city, we have a reputation for leading the way in green building, planning and technology, with the smallest per capita carbon footprint in North America. And while that makes us proud, we've still got big plans - like aiming to reduce emissions by 80% and be 100% powered by renewable energy by 2050.

 

VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE

The Vancouver Convention Centre has a strong commitment to economic, environmental and social responsibility. Its commitment to green tech can be found in every corner of the facility, from the "living roof" (with over 400,000 indigenous plants), to the seawater heating and cooling, on-site water treatment, the fish habitat built into the foundation, and more. The West Building has received Double LEED Platinum certification (the first convention centre in the world to earn that rating), and in 2014, also received the certification for APEX/ASTM Sustainability Event Venue and Food and Beverage Standards.

See our Sustainable Events Checklist and Waste Management Toolkit

 

SUSTAINABLE ACCOMMODATION

The Hotel Association of Canada's Green Key Eco-Rating Program is designed to recognize hotels, motels and resorts that are committed to improving their fiscal and environmental performance. Currently, we have 50 Green Key Global certified hotels and over 25 with electric vehicle charging stations.

OCEAN WISE

Led by the Vancouver Aquarium, the Ocean Wise conservation program helps its restaurant and market partners make environmentally-friendly seafood choices, which are highlighted with the Ocean Wise logo for easy-identification. More...

Seawall on bikes

 

Yoga at VCC

 

Sustainable Tourism

 

LOCATION MATTERS

We're a compact, walkable city, with an award-winning convention centre perfectly positioned downtown. Not only does it offer a green backdrop, but also green benefits - it's just steps from over 13,000 hotel rooms, landmark attractions, sustainable restaurants, and miles of ocean-side pathways. With one of the lowest GHG grid emissions in North America, our walkability and award-winning transit system mean your event emissions will be lower (plus, your attendees can achieve their daily step counts).


GO PAPERLESS AND PLASTIC-FREE

We're leading the way in removing single-use plastic from the waste stream. Plus, instead of generating a ton of paper (that may not get recycled properly), we encourage you to consider creating an event app. Apps are easy to design and use, and come with benefits like real-time updates, social media coverage tracking, and engaging delegates in the conversation. If you need help getting started, our convention centre and event suppliers are happy to help you design a zero-waste event.

 

EAT LOCAL

Here, eating locally and sustainably isn't just easy - it's delicious. Our mild climate and fertile river delta soil make for excellent produce year-round, and from restaurants to food trucks and farmer's markets, our chefs are always happy to create an original, seasonal and sustainable menu for your event. For more about our sustainability initiatives, check out OceanWise conservation programs.

LOOK FOR GREEN CERTIFICATIONS

Venues around here go to great lengths to achieve a variety of eco-certifications. We're home to 49 Green Key-certified hotels, the Vancouver Convention Centre is the world's first Double LEED Platinum-certified convention centre, YVR holds the Gold Level Rick Hansen Accessibility Certification (as do several hotels), and Climate Smart Certified businesses are actively reducing their carbon emissions, including our team at Tourism Vancouver.

GIVE BACK

Here, you can take advantage of our many sustainable initiatives - but you'll also find opportunities to make a charitable impact with local organizations that share your purpose. Discuss topics at a local level, volunteer at local farms and gardens, help restore wildlife habitats, and make our world a better place. We can help connect you with multiple social enterprises and community organizations that will help you find the most meaningful way to give back.