AIHA Connect attendees tell us they want a more environmentally friendly and responsible conference. We worked with AIHA’s Stewardship and Sustainability Committee to implement these green, sustainable initiatives in Columbus: • Digital Advance Program and Final Program • Ticketless registration • Digital signage outside meeting rooms and for directions • Badges made from recycled materials, which can also be recycled • Banners made from paper • Recycle stations for paper, cans, bottles, and other items • Water refill stations • NEW! Attendee assessments of carbon footprint, optional carbon offset purchase, and voluntary collection of attendees’ carbon footprints and donations

AIHA also focuses on partnering with venues prioritizing green thinking and design. The Greater Columbus Convention Center is a wonderful example of these practices with: • The North Building has been awarded the LEED Silver Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. • Creating the first indoor, vertical, and LED-lit hydroponic garden in a convention center, which generates up to 2.5 tons of herbs and vegetables each year. • Offsetting 100% of its energy usage with renewable energy by purchasing Renewable Energy Credits equivalent to the total amount of electricity used. • All paper products used throughout the facility are made with 100% post-consumer content and a single-stream recycling program exists with recycling and compost containers throughout the event spaces. • Utilizing Indoor Air Quality and Green Cleaning programs to ensure building occupants have a healthy indoor environment free to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).