Article
published in June, 2004 Northern Sky News
Greening the Democratic National Convention in Boston –
Coalition Reducing Environmental Footprint of Presidential Conventions
by
Lance McKee
Conventions often feature lots of disposable trinkets and one-time-use
displays. They aren't the most environmentally friendly activities
in the world. But
when thousands of Democratic delegates from 50 states gather in Boston
this summer, the story will be a bit different. The delegates will
see responsible
environmental practices incorporated into energy use, transportation,
construction and waste stream management at the convention. Republican
delegates at
their convention in New York will see the same.
The Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Conventions (CERC) is
working with the host committees of both conventions to bring a green
tint to the
gatherings.
Ultimately, these learning experiences may result in wiser, greener political
platforms and policies. That's what CERC is hoping for. With over 200
members from over 50 organizations and businesses, consciousness-raising
is one
important goal of the coalition, but the material environmental benefits
alone will
make their efforts worthwhile.
The coalition has scheduled a number of tours to highlight environmental
initiatives. A boat tour will take Democratic delegates to see the town
of Hull's wind turbine in Boston Harbor. Bus tours in both cities will
take
delegates to see local LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified
buildings, including the new Genzyme headquarters in Cambridge and the
Artists for Humanity building in South Boston. Electric power for the
Fleet Center
during the Democratic National Convention and for Madison Square Garden
during the Republican Convention will be matched by purchases of renewable
energy
certificates from wind power, including the Hull turbine, and from hydroelectric
and landfill gas sources.
Under contract with the Democratic National Convention, GM will include
at least three GM gasoline/electric hybrid engine buses among the vehicles
they
are providing for the convention. Prior to the convention, CERC will
train drivers of conventional diesel buses in the Massachusetts anti-idling
law,
passed recently to curb carbon particulate emissions.
Though not visible to delegates, there will be less construction waste
than normal because the builders of the staging in the convention centers
will
employ practices that enable a high degree of material re-use and recycling.
Shawmut Design and Construction will manage a $3.5 million construction
project in Boston's Fleet Center to accommodate the needs of the 2004
Democratic National Convention. Shawmut, already experienced in green
building practices,
will work with CERC to expand their environmental best practices.
CERC members will publish and distribute a green construction guide and
a resource guide for green building, and they will promote and lead seminars
on best practices for green construction and demolition and on how to
use low environmental impact building materials and local recycling markets.
Two hundred and eighty Democratic delegates will attend a "New Energy
For America" event in Boston's exclusive State Room. This event will
be a call to action on investment in American renewable energy companies
and in energy efficiency. The Apollo Alliance, a major national initiative
for renewable energy, is cooperating with CERC to organize three events for
young people.
Dan Ruben, executive director of CERC, is excited by the progress and
by the active support from both conventions' organizing committees. "Both
parties have shown strong interest. They've shown flexibility and have offered
ideas as well as support and contacts. Sponsors, too, have been forthcoming,
though there is more that we could do with additional funds."
To learn more about CERC, see CERC's web site, http://www.cerc04.org.
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