Green Space: Not Just Parks Anymore
Are you an event planner who wants to host unforgettable experiences for your delegates but also cares about giving back to the environment and not leaving a Bigfoot-sized carbon footprint? There are many hotels, restaurants, and unique venues in Halifax available for corporate and private groups that keep you in Mother Nature’s good green books.
One unique venue on the Halifax waterfront with a fabulous view of the ocean, 43,000 sq. ft. of flexible space, and an environmental conscience is the new Halifax Seaport Farmer’s Market. It is located in the Seaport District directly behind the Westin Nova Scotian and near the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and has been labeled "one of the most eco-friendly buildings in the world". The building is a state-of-the-art waterfront facility that has been completely designed with the environment in mind. The modern steel and glass interior is warmed up with the use of beautiful, exposed wood, all salvaged from trees that fell during Hurricane Juan. The building has a rain water catchment tank, geothermal wells, windmills, a living wall inside the market, and a rooftop garden that cools the building. The roof is also a beautiful space for events. The garden, full of flowers attracting butterflies, was designed to make guests feel as though they are floating on the Halifax Harbour. Stories like these and other green Halifax initiatives can be found in Green Halifax, a magazine about sustainable living in Halifax, published annually by The Coast.
Hotels realize the importance of conserving water, energy, and other resources, and most properties in Halifax have put programs in place to do just that - almost all Halifax hotels are Green Key rated. The Westin Nova Scotian rewards guests who stay with them and choose to make a green choice. Even one night can result in significant water and electricity savings. The Four Points by Sheraton Hotel and Atlantica Hotel Halifax are among the first hotels in Halifax to Bullfrog Power their meeting space and offices with 100% renewable electricity. The decision complements their existing sustainability plans and will lead them to further reduce emissions footprints, support the development of new renewable energy in Canada, and help create a cleaner world for today and tomorrow. Bullfrog sources from EcoLogo-certified wind farms and low-impact hydro facilities in Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. Bullfrog's goal is to advance the development of wind power throughout the Maritimes. You can even bring Bullfrog Power to the entertainment side of your next meeting/event with Halifax’s Limelight Communications Group Inc. - Bullfrog Power will inject green power onto the electricity grid to match the amount of electricity used by your meeting or event. Check out Limelight’s Guide to Sustainable Meetings for more tips on how to go green.
Supporting local and sustainable initiatives is not a new concept, but as we think of ways to reduce waste associated with meetings and events, holding an event in a green space is one way to give back.
