Standardization News

A newly published ASTM International specification on selecting accommodations for environmentally sustainable meetings joins eight previously approved ASTM standards to complete a suite covering the major areas of sustainable event planning.

The new E2772, Specification for Evaluation and Selection of Accommodations for Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows and Conferences, was developed by Subcommittee E60.02 on Hospitality, part of ASTM International Committee E60 on Sustainability.

The new standard delineates procedural evaluation and selection of accommodations for environmentally sustainable meetings, events, trade shows and conferences.

"E2772 and the other E60.02 standards are a good starting point and catalyst for meeting professionals to begin or affirm sustainable meeting practices," says Amy Spatrisano, CMP, principal, MeetGreen®, and co-chairman of E60.02.

Following the structure of the eight other standards in the suite, E2772 presents criteria in eight different categories:

Each of these criteria is split into four progressive levels of achievement, indicating the degree to which sustainability has been achieved in that area. The four levels provide a clear baseline for measuring environmental performance while being flexible enough to adapt to the needs of more advanced planners and to establish a performance path that encourages improvement.

According to Spatrisano, primary users of E2772 will be meeting/events industry professionals, including planners of meetings, conferences, trade shows and events as well as suppliers of related services, such as hotels, food and beverage providers, and transportation companies.

"Our hope is that the meeting/events industry can help drive demand for more environmentally responsible products such as cleaning solutions, food, collateral materials and temporary built environments," notes Spatrisano.

Subcommittee E60.02 is now working on potential refinements for E2772 and the other eight sustainable meeting standards. All interested parties are invited to join in the standards developing activities of E60.02. Spatrisano says that the subcommittee would particularly like to hear from suppliers and planners to learn what is working with the the use of sustainable meetings standards and to hear suggestions for future revisions to E2772 and the other standards. The nine E60.02 standards that cover planning for sustainable meetings are:

To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation, or contact ASTM Sales (phone: 877-909-ASTM; sales@astm.org).

CONTACT Technical Information: Amy Spatrisano, CMP, MeetGreen® • Portland, Ore. • Phone: 503-252-5458 | ASTM Staff: Stephen Mawn • Phone: 610-832-9726 | Upcoming Meeting: Oct. 22-24 • October Committee Week • Jacksonville, Fla.