Sustainability

ASA recognizes our responsibility to minimize the environmental impact of our events while maximizing their positive contributions to society. Our commitment to sustainability encompasses every aspect of event planning and execution, from venue selection to waste management. Through these measures, we aim to lead by example, demonstrating that sustainable event management is not only feasible but essential for our industry.

Key Principles:

  1. Environmental Stewardship: We strive to reduce the environmental footprint of our events by minimizing energy consumption, conserving resources, and reducing waste generation.
  2. Community Engagement: We work with SocialOffset, a nonprofit organization, to donate to local charities. SocialOffset allows people to contribute to the local community where the annual meeting is held.
  3. Innovation and Education: We continuously seek innovative solutions and technologies to improve the sustainability of our events, and we are committed to educating our attendees and stakeholders about the importance of environmental conservation.
  4. Collaboration and Partnerships: We collaborate with suppliers, vendors, and partners who share our commitment to sustainability, and we work together to implement best practices and achieve our sustainability goals.
  5. Continuous Improvement: We regularly evaluate our event practices and seek feedback from stakeholders to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation in sustainability.

ANESTHESIOLOGY Sustainability Efforts

  • Exhibit Hall Operations: ASA has removed aisle carpet, avoiding the emission of 62 metric tons of carbon, the equivalent to taking 15 cars off the road for a year!
  • Moving Towards Digital: Over the last few years ASA has been shortening the Meeting and Exhibit Guide with the goal of eliminating the need for a printed guide.
  • Venue Selection: ASA prioritizes venues that have implemented sustainable practices, such as energy efficiency through renewable energy and/or RECs, waste management practices to increase waste diversion rates, and water conservation measures as well as LEED certified venues.
  • Waste Management: ASA minimizes waste generation by providing reusable or compostable service ware at food and beverage functions, implementing recycling programs, and donating excess food and materials to local charities when possible.
  • Sustainable Procurement: ASA prioritizes the use of environmentally friendly and ethically sourced products and services in event planning and procurement, including food, beverages, and promotional materials.
  • Transportation: ASA prioritizes destinations for the annual meeting that provide convenient access between the convention center and hotels allowing for a 50% reduction in the use of event shuttle busing in Philadelphia.

Get Involved

  • Energy & Water Conservation
    • Participate in your hotel’s Linen ReUse Program and refuse daily service.
    • Turn off lights and set thermostat to 74 degrees when leaving your hotel room.
  • Waste Reduction
    • Bring a refillable water bottle and coffee cup to use throughout the conference.
    • Take only what you need at food functions.
    • Download the ASA My Meeting app that will have important event information!
  • Carbon Impact
    • Carpool or take public transport to/from the airport and to/from your hotel. Download the City Mapper app to find out how!
    • Take advantage of the ASA run shuttles or even better, walk if possible.
    • Offset your travel to/from ASA.
    • Choose to eat vegetarian or vegan at least one meal per day OR make the commitment eat meat free all week.
  • Energy Conservation
    • Power down your booth at the end of each show day.
  • Waste Reduction
    • Request sustainable options from Freeman.
    • Rent carpet and flooring from Freeman – did you know Freeman flooring is reused multiple times before being recycled by the manufacturer?
    • Break down all cardboard boxes and put them in the correct recycling bin.
    • Forgo the gifts and create an experience. If you must bring gifts, ensure they are recyclable or compostable at the end of use.
    • Use only compostable or recyclable service ware or china when serving food and beverage at your booth.
    • Set a goal to leave no trace behind by shipping out all booth properties and packing materials and donating extra giveaways.
    • Encourage less printing and provide more information digitally with QR codes when it comes to booth literature.
    • If you must print, create reusable non-dated signs that can be used year after year. 
    • Avoid foamcore signs and request paper based recyclable material such as Honeycomb signage.

Date of last update: August 21, 2024