Hawai‘i Convention Center launches carbon offset program

The Hawai‘i Convention Center has launched a carbon offset programme for meetings and events. The program aims to provide meeting organisers with the opportunity to offset the carbon footprint of their meeting, as well as offer individual attendees the ability to select and plant endemic and native trees virtually or in-person. The program is offered through Hawai‘i-based Legacy Carbon, which is dedicated to providing the highest-quality, cost-effective certified carbon offsets globally. These efforts are part of the Center’s Hoʻomaluō conservation program. Hoʻomaluō guides the center’s leadership in environmental best practices, including energy consumption, water use and waste diversion. The center’s carbon offset program is further aligned with the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s (HTA) vision of Mālama Kuʻu Home. HTA’s objective is to help empower the community to have a voice in tourism’s future, with a focus on regenerating the environment, perpetuating the Hawaiian culture, recognising Hawai‘i’s multi-ethnic cultures and supporting responsible economic outcomes. Commenting on the carbon offset programme, Teri Orton, general manager of the Hawai‘i Convention Center, said: “The center’s environmental practices help reduce the impact of our meetings and events, and provide organisers and attendees with customised, turnkey options to protect our natural resources right here in Hawai‘i.” Other sustainable efforts  In 2018, the center achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) v.4 O+M Gold certification, which was re-certified in 2021. In January the center was also recognised among 14 venues and events with the 2021 Hawai‘i Green Business Program (HGBP) Award by the State of Hawai‘i for its energy efficiency and sustainable business practices.