The 24th Annual National Service-Learning Conference

We hope you will join the rest of the service-learning community as we strive to make the conference Green Vision a reality and help Minneapolis move towards its goal of a sustainable community for generations to come.

» Learn more about Minneapolis' Green Initiatives

Offsets

You can help support renewable energy and reforestation projects addressing the carbon produced from traveling to the conference. Purchasing carbon offsets is a simple way for individuals and organizations to take action on global warming. See the websites below to purchase carbon offsets.

NativeEnergy
http://www.nativeenergy.com/pages/travel_calculator/465.php

Sustainable Travel International
https://sustainabletravelinternational.org/documents/op_carboncalcs.html

Minneapolis Convention Center

The Minneapolis Convention Center is committed to assisting customers in achieving their sustainability goals for meetings and conventions, as well as recognizing the importance for our facility, customers, employees and community. The following sustainability efforts are currently underway at the MCC.

Solar
The solar array on the rooftop of the MCC is connected directly to the facility's internal electrical system, producing 750,000 kWh of renewable electricity per year - the equivalent of powering 85 homes. It will offset 539 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. The 600 kW system is made up of 2,613 panels installed at an angle on the flat portions of the roof and are not visible from the street level. This largest solar electricity array in the Upper Midwest has been in use since November 2010.

Recycling
Multi-stream containers collect waste throughout the facility. MCC recycles the following items:

Cardboard
Cans
Glass
Plastic Bottles
Paper
Wood
Carpet
Metal
Yard Waste

Catering
The MCC's exclusive catering company, Kelber Catering, contributes to the sustainability efforts at the MCC in several ways:

Locally sourced produce used whenever available
Food prep waste recycled through Second Harvest Farms and used to feed hogs
Surplus food product is collected and donated through People Serving People, St. Paul Evangelical Food Mission and Kid's Cafe
Reusable china and biodegradable dishes, cups and flatware are used 100 percent of the time in catering and biodegradable products are used 95 percent of the time in the concession stands, Dunn Bros. and other cash outlets
Bulk condiments used whenever possible
Upon request, Kelber will assist in planning menus using locally grown, organic products

Conservation of Resources

The heating and cooling systems are monitored 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week to ensure event spaces are only conditioned when in use
The lighting system is computer controlled and event space lighting is adjusted to various levels based on occupancy
Most escalators are powered on only during event hours
All air handling equipment operates with high efficiency motors and variable speed drives
Exterior doors are monitored and staffed during event load-in and load-out to conserve conditioned air
Restroom fixtures are equipped with low-flow and automatic shut-off devices to conserve water and sewer resources
Restrooms feature automatic-flush commodes and urinals
The terrazzo floor throughout the lobby areas has been refinished to allow maintenance free from waxes, sealers and stripping chemicals

Cleaning Products

95 percent of cleaning products are Green Seal certified
Restroom cleaning and sanitizing performed by a single machine utilizing Green Seal-certified agents to substantially reduce chemical use

Cleaning Equipment

Floor care equipment utilizes FaST (foam scrubbing technology) to reduce chemical application by using 87 percent less chemicals than traditional floor scrubbers
Terrazzo floor care machines by Tennant utilize ECH2O ionization technology to clean hard surfaces without chemicals
These machines also use 70 percent less water than traditional floor care equipment - MCC estimates the riding scrubber used on the concourse floors uses 15,330 gallons less water annually than a non-FaST scrubber

Additional Green Efforts

Post-conference recycling and/or reusing of conference name badges, lanyards, and water bottles.
Water bottles provided for each conference attendee: pick yours up in the exhibit hall.
Online Call for Presenters. No more paper forms. Submit your 2012 workshop proposal online here.
Online registration. Don’t waste time or trees completing your registration. Click here to register today.
The City of Minneapolis produces clean, safe drinking water for around a half million people every day. Water from the Mississippi River goes through extensive treatment and softening to produce great tasting tap water for Minneapolis and seven other cities. Unlike bottled water, Minneapolis tap water comes straight to homes and offices without any shipping and packaging. And at less than a half a cent a gallon, Minneapolis tap water is a bargain. More information is at www.tapmpls.com.