CEDIA Introduces Eco-Friendly Business Practices To CEDIA EXPO 2008 & Beyond

[The following is a release from the Custom Electronic Design And Installation Associataion]

September 1, 2008

As a leading innovator in the electronic systems integration industry, the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) strives to be an advocate for the environment. CEDIA’s standard of leadership includes adopting environmentally friendly business practices in everyday business as well as CEDIA EXPO 2008, which is scheduled for Sept. 3-7 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. CEDIA has incorporated new “green” provisions throughout EXPO by recommending eco-friendly practices for attendees. For example, education courseware offered at the show is now offered electronically for free, which reduces print waste by as much as 90 percent. Show attendees are encouraged to decrease paper waste by utilizing the electronic versions. In addition, CEDIA offered attendees an option to donate five dollars to Carbonfund.org to offset their carbon dioxide emissions and has been working very closely with the Colorado Convention Center to implement as many eco-friendly options at CEDIA EXPO as possible. Other endeavors include CEDIA marketing materials being printed on Forest Stewardship Council certified (FSC) paper. When applicable, CEDIA will print promotional materials on FSC certified paper. The FSC is an independent, international, non-profit organization who has developed strict standards for responsible forest management and forest product producers. CEDIA has taken huge strides to make the headquarter office eco-friendly through recycling programs for paper, plastic, aluminum, etc., equipment donations to local charities, as well as energy saving devices such as computer eco-buttons. To help develop recommended practices and policies for CEDIA members to green their businesses, CEDIA has developed a Green Task Force, led by Marilyn Sanford of La Scala. This task force is also responsible for researching and developing education content regarding green design and operation procedures for CEDIA members. CEDIA will continue to grow its green initiatives throughout the next few years and implement many new procedures at 2009 CEDIA events such as Management Conference and Electronic Lifestyles® Forum. Don Gilpin, executive director of CEDIA, said the association’s movement toward a greener business culture is creating a foundation which our members can learn from and implement into their daily business activities. Eco-friendly practices today signal a stronger commitment to the communities while acknowledging the growing market for green products and services. “CEDIA’s motivation is very simple; Not only does implementing eco-friendly procedures reduce long-term costs for companies, it also improves the health and safety of employees,” said Gilpin. “We encourage our members to make this commitment every day. Businesses everywhere can recycle materials, use supplies intelligently and increase their understanding of environmentally-friendly electronics to help strengthen the reputation of their company and the electronic systems industry.

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