Sustainability Initiatives:
In keeping with Simon Fraser University’s goal to become a leading institution in assisting B.C. and Canada to advance towards a sustainable society, the Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue continues to move in the direction of greening the meetings and conferences held in the building by continually monitoring and improving our sustainable practices as well as those of our suppliers.

Location:
The central downtown location of the Centre for Dialogue is within walking distance of all major hotels, and is on a main transportation route, and a block from the SeaBus, Skytrain and West Coast Express station. The Canada Line with direct access to the airport, currently under construction, will have its terminus 1 block away. This enables easy access by public transit to all delegates.

The Building:
The Wosk Centre is housed within the walls of a restored heritage building, using as much of the existing structure as possible.  The space above the heritage ceiling acts as a return-air plenum. Cool air, supplied at low volumes through the risers of the built-up floor, rises to the ceiling, using occupants’ body heat as a chimney or plume. This energy-efficient displacement ventilation system means the supply air requires significantly less cooling. Heating and cooling systems are turned off when the building is not in use. Meeting rooms are individually controlled, allowing clients to set temperatures accordingly, while not using energy in vacant rooms. Lighting throughout areas of the building is activated by motion censors to conserve electricity. Lighting is 50% fluorescent. All building lights are turned out when not in use. Using the recommendations of organizations such as the Green Meeting Industry Council, IACC (International Association of Conference Centres) and Environment Canada’s Green Meetings guide, a Green Committee has been instituted which meets monthly.

Conference Materials:
Contracts and client event plans are also sent via email (saving a minimum of 5,600 pages of printed material per year).  Client communications and promotional materials including newsletters are primarily handled electronically.  100% post consumer recycled paper is used for all printed promotional collateral, and is used at the business centre for internal and client requirements.  Conference tables are not draped, saving on linen cleaning.  The water in meeting rooms is served in pitchers.  Event staff collects unused and re-usable conference materials which are re-distributed to future clients.

Technology:
Products purchased have ENERGY STAR rating when appropriate and monitors are LCD.

Recycling:
All meetings rooms and offices are equipped with paper recycling bins.  Computer batteries are recycled. Technology is repaired (usually on-site) to extend the life of the equipment.

Food Services:
Our food services are out-sourced to our partner, Delta Vancouver Suites and have implemented numerous green practices including all food service is on china or glass, including serving dishes.

Office Practices and Procedures:
Electronic communication is used where possible rather than faxed/printed materials, which are double-sided whenever possible.  (Annually, a minimum of 7,000 pages of printed internal reports is saved.)

Housekeeping:
Cleaning products used are environmentally friendly, pH neutral, bio-degradable and non-toxic to human and aquatic life.