AFVi Green Initiatives

AFVi utilizes a range of green strategies in our day-to-day operation, as well as for the annual conference, to reduce our impact on the environment. These include:

Office Operation

• Recycle all paper products in our offices.
• Reduce our electric consumption by turning off all lights (except emergency lighting), computers, and other electronic products during non-business hours.
• Set office heating and cooling thermostats to conserve energy during non-business hours.
• Drive our Civic GX (sponsored by American Honda) on all company errands whenever possible.

Conference Operation

• Using electronic advertising, promotion and registration whenever possible, minimizing the amount of paper, ink and other consumables.
• Provide confirmations and other registration correspondence electronically.
• Collect plastic name tag holders for reuse with collection boxes at registration, exhibit and exit areas.
• Minimize the use of paper signs by using electronic monitors, plasma screens, etc.
• Provide speaker handouts in electronic format via our website.
• Serve all meals sit-down or buffet style, eliminating the need for paper or Styrofoam containers.
• Recycle all paper and plastic waste created at the event and place recyclable containers visibly so that attendees can do their part.
• Plan events associated with the conference that occur within walking distance of the venue when possible, and utilize alternative fuel transportation, whenever it is available, for transporting delegates to official events.
• Work with shipping firms and decorators to minimize packaging materials.
• Make photocopies only on demand instead of over-printing materials.
• Make sure lights in convention space are turned off immediately following events.
• Provide a re-usable conference tote and recycled materials bags for all conference materials.
• Use vegetable-based inks and print on recycled 20% post-consumer waste paper for all on-site materials.

AFVi also select venues for our events, including the national AF&V Conference, which offer a wide variety of green initiatives. This year, the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino provides the following:

Guestrooms

• Sheets and towels only changed upon request thereby reducing water consumption & saving energy.
• Compact fluorescent bulbs ("CFLs") used in majority of guestrooms to reduce energy consumption with migration to CFLs in all guestrooms in progress.
• Cold-cathode bulbs used in majority of guestroom hallways to reduce energy consumption with migration to cold-cathode in all hallways in progress.
• Automated set-back thermostats with motion sensors in guestrooms to set-back thermostats when rooms unoccupied thereby reducing energy requirements.
• Eco-friendly and biodegradable cleaning products are used to clean rooms.

Lighting

• Energy efficient lighting used throughout common areas including compact fluorescent, cold cathode, and light-emitting diodes.
• Linear fluorescent lighting in all back-of-house areas.
• All lighting in parking structures converted from high-intensity discharge lamps to energy efficient linear fluorescent lamps.
• Nearly two miles of cove lighting in convention area converted from incandescent bulbs to energy efficient light-emitting diodes.
• All exterior sign lighting and raceway lighting converted from incandescent bulbs to energy efficient cold-cathode technology.

Recycling

• Cardboard materials extensively recycled.
• A majority of trash is sorted and glass, plastics and aluminum are recycled (Ipanema and Mascarade loading docks).
• Cooking oils are recycled.
• Pilot project underway to recycle paper.

Co-Generation

Electricity is generated on-site with the Las Vegas resort corridor's first co-generation facility.  Waste heat from the electric generators is captured and used to heat water on-site.  The facility is one of the cleanest operating co-generation units in the nation.

Central Plant

• Plate & Frame heat exchangers are used to reduce mechanical cooling requirements (thereby saving energy).
• Variable frequency drives are installed on all major motors to reduce energy requirements.
• Control sequences are in place to optimize plant operations thereby reducing energy.

Transportation

• Shuttle service is offered between property and Las Vegas Strip corridor and monorail.
• Retail, dining, entertainment, and other amenities are all located on-site which minimizes need for vehicular transportation.

General

• Reusable linens, flatware, glassware, and plates are used throughout the property to the extent possible.
• Paperless check-out is used as an option for guests reducing paper.
• Faucet sensors are used in common area restrooms to reduce water consumption.