Sustainability Case Study: Hawai’i Convention Center’s Groundbreaking Carbon Offset Program

AIPC has established a dedicated sustainability working group comprising eight sustainability officers from around the world. This group provides a platform for networking, supports AIPC’s commitment to the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative, and facilitates the exchange of best practices. Meeting every six weeks, the group works collaboratively to drive sustainable innovation within the industry. 

One key initiative is the creation of a library of sustainability case studies, regularly featured in the AIPC monthly newsletter and accessible via the AIPC Intranet. 

This month, we spotlight the Hawai’i Convention Center’s Carbon Offset Program. In July 2022, the Center launched its first-of-its-kind program that allows meeting organizers to offset the carbon footprint of their events. As part of their Hoʻomaluō conservation program, the Center calculates each meeting’s carbon footprint based on the space used, then offsets it by planting endemic Hawaiian trees on O‘ahu and the Island of Hawai‘i. This initiative is an extension of the Center’s One Million Trees project, in partnership with the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative (HLRI). 

Since its launch, the program has yielded impressive results, including 371 trees planted and a total carbon offset contribution of $30,332.71, equivalent to 359.31 metric tons of carbon dioxide. With over 11,000 partner trees planted through the One Million Trees initiative, the Hawai’i Convention Center is setting a new standard for sustainable event practices. 

Read the full case study.

 Stay tuned for more inspiring examples!