Sustaining Practices
HPC Sustainability Practices
HPC Facilities - The Washington, DC office has achieved LEED Platinum Certification (2015) under the LEED for Commercial Interiors Rating System.
Conference Venues – We prefer that the convention center/hotel demonstrates environmental responsibility, such as using compact fluorescent bulbs, reusable linens, an in-house recycling system automated electricity-savings program to prevent waste by lights, air conditioning and escalators, and biodegradable cleaning products. We also require that no disposable cups, plates, glasses, and flatware are to be used.
Accommodations – We strive to select hotels that follow green practices. Attendees are encouraged to assist with this policy by only changing linen and towels on request, and to switch off their lights and air conditioning when they are not in their hotel rooms.
Transportation – When conferences are not held in the host hotel, we select hotels that are within walking distance of the conference venue, eliminating the need for additional transportation. Public transportation options are provided on our website.
Recycling – Recycling bins are available on-site at conference venues to offer paper, plastic and aluminum recycling. Attendees are encouraged to make use of them. Also, attendees are encouraged to return their unwanted name tags and lanyards for re-use.
Water – Water will be available in each session room in pitchers or cooled water jugs to minimize the use of individual plastic water bottles.
Online conference materials – Conference session descriptions, presenter bios, and presentations are available online to reduce paper waste.
Program book and other printed materials – When possible, all printed materials will be printed on recycled paper. For each event, program books are now being printed by local printers to reduce carbon emissions from transportation. We will now offer electronic versions of our program book to eliminate paper waste and dye use. Program books at the National Conference have also been eliminated and replaced with an interactive conference app to reduce paper waste and the conference’s carbon footprint.
Signage – Any signage not reflecting a theme or year-specific information is designed for multi-year use.