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APEX-ASTM Certification

SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 12, 2017) – In an unprecedented approach to gain international sustainability certification, five Salt Lake entities applied for and concurrently received APEX-ASTM Level 1 Certification in a collaborative effort spearheaded by SMG, the management company of the Salt Palace Convention Center and South Towne Exposition Center. Additional partners included Visit Salt Lake, Utah Food Services and PSAV.

“Salt Lake County is not just talking about ‘going green’ as the state’s largest meeting host. It is leading by example, as we see with this sustainable effort by groups that host and operate facilities where large meetings and conventions gather,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams. “Their efforts will make a positive environmental difference and I applaud the partners for coming together to achieve this certification.”

Karen Kotowski, Chief Executive Officer of the Events Industry Council, said, “Responsible environmental and social practices in the events industry is a global concern. We are inspired by the collaborative approach taken by the Salt Palace Convention Center, South Towne Exposition Center, Visit Salt Lake, Utah Food Services, and PSAV in making this commitment to sustainable events.

These certifications were developed by the Events Industry Council. The EIC’s 33 member organizations represent over 103,500 individuals and 19,500 firms and properties involved in the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry. The Events Industry Council vision is to be the global champion for event professionals and event industry excellence.

This certification is particularly relevant in light of recent decisions influenced by city, state and federal policies. For example, Salt Lake City is working toward a 50 percent diversion rate for recycling by 2018 and an 80 percent reduction in fossil fuel emissions by 2040.

“Receiving this certification is a great accomplishment for Salt Lake and sets the stage for more collaborative work throughout the area,” commented Dan Hayes, general manager of the SMG-managed and Salt Lake County-owned Salt Palace Convention Center and South Towne Expo Center facilities. “For five tourism-related entities to concurrently receive green certification sends a very strong and positive message about our area’s commitment to sustainability. We see this as an opportunity to position ourselves as leaders in the green meetings industry arena. It’s unprecedented for the destination, our two venues along with their exclusive caterer and their in-house audio visual company to come together to receive certification at the same time.”

Doug Curry, Facilities Manager at Utah Food Services (UFS) and member of the green team, spearheaded the catering initiative. Since November 2016, the team met every two weeks to review policies, compile data, track diversion rates, discuss best practices, develop communication pieces, educate co-workers and implement programs aimed at making our collective operations more eco-friendly. The program has already resulted in a Quarter 2 diversion rate of 51%.

“Sustainability is part of our core values here at UFS,” said Mr. Curry. “Our recycling program evolved from the installation cardboard compactors in 1996 to a comprehensive green program which includes: composting all fruit and vegetable waste, switching to alternative fuel vehicles, providing plant based disposable service ware, buying locally, installing solar panels, practicing Monterey Bay Seafood Watch standards and more.”