Monterey County and See Monterey take personal responsibility to protect our destination's incredible natural assets and pristine landscape, recognizing the importance of sustainability and giving back to the community. This mindset extends to how we conduct our events and conferences.
GREEN PROGRAMS AT HOTELS AND VENUES
Environmental Certifications & Awards
Our hotels partner with and have been awarded designations from LEED, ISO, ASTM, GMIC, EPA, TripAdvisor Green Leader, California Green Lodging, CalRecycle, Monterey Bay Green Business Partnership and others.
Waste Management
Through recycling, composting, reuse and repurposing, many of our hotels have more than 60% diversion rates and they partner with the Monterey Regional Waste Management District and Compost Coalition program.
Energy Conservation
Upgrades have been made at each hotel based on Monterey Country standards, including Energy Star appliances, occupancy sensors, efficient lighting and other features. Electric vehicle charging stations are also available at many hotels and throughout the destination.
Water Conservation
In California, nothing takes precedence like water conservation. Drinking water is supplied upon request; low-flow and water-saving appliances are installed; guests can opt out of linen replacements, xeriscaping is implemented; ozone and grey water systems are in place at some facilities; and water conservation education and signage abounds.
Purchasing
Policies among our hotels and restaurants ensure that their variety of products meet standards accordingly whenever possible, including being biodegradable, non-toxic, locally sourced, packaged in bulk, organic, made of recycled materials and certified as sustainable.
Measuring
Monthly tracking of these initiatives is standard for most of our partners and in most cases, a post-event sustainability report can be provided upon request to event and meeting planners.
For more information on Green Meetings and on sustainability practices at specific hotels, contact your Strategic Client Services team at 831.657.6412 or Sales@SeeMonterey.com.
Learn more about Monterey County sustainability initiatives here.
GREEN MEETINGS ARE EASY IN MONTEREY
There are a number of green event services we are happy to connect you with, including:
- Zero Waste Event Services
- Carbon Offset Programs
- Swag, tchotchke & signage repurposing
- Local and sustainable F&B sourcing
- Environmental & Social Volunteer Group Projects
- LEED and certified green businesses
With agriculture as our number one industry, we use the freshest locally-grown food and wine in our catering choices, reducing the carbon footprint. The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Sustainable Seafood Watch program sets standards around the country for responsible seafood menus. Area businesses lead the industry in sustainable business practices. The Monterey Regional Waste Management District has the highest displacement percentage in the country, so you can feel good knowing your event was low waste or had zero landfill impact.
GREEN MEETING RESOURCES
Here is a list of local resources for your next green meeting and event in Monterey County.
- Monterey Regional Waste Management District: To learn how to reuse, recycle and re-purpose in Monterey County.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch: Information on choosing seafood that's good for you and good for the environment.
- Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association: Buy local wines for your event and reduce your carbon footprint.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
We take personal responsibility to protect our destination and recognize the importance of sustainability and giving back to the community, which extends to how we conduct our meetings and conferences.
- The Offset Project: Make your event Zero Waste! The Offset Project can create recycling and composting programs for your Monterey County meeting and event.
- Save Our Shores: Offers activities that include sun and sand during monthly beach cleanups or by signing up for a scheduled corporate volunteer event.
- Pass It On Please: Keeping corporate trade show swag out of our landfills and into the eager hands of our schools and those in need.