Green Event Guide
Location
When holding an indoor event, choose a space with large windows to maximize natural
sunlight, holding your event at peak sunlight hours (early to mid-afternoon) will help to
decrease energy usage
If hosting an outdoor event consider using a clear tent to allow light to filter in. Clear
tents must be rented at a cost (Events and Venues can help with vendors).
Use an event space on campus that has green attributes. These spaces include:
 Square 80 Plaza
 Public Health building convening center or other LEED certified spaces
 City View Room, Elliott School Building (View of Green Roof)
 Marvin Center terraces
 Kogan Plaza
 Anniversary Park
 Michael K. Young Faculty Conference Center, Law School
Choose a location near bike racks/public transportation and alert guests to these
travel options by providing maps and public transportation routes. Consider getting a
sponsorship from Uber and get discounts on rides for attendees.
(http://blog.uber.com/eventsDC)
Marketing and Invites
Host a paperless event by using online invitations and registration.
 When possible, consider using the following techniques for paperless invitations:
Gatorboard (created by Marketing and Creative Services), University Calendar,
Google documents, Luminate, Eventbrite, PDF’s, Electronic reader boards.
 For registration, use iPads and laptop computers.
Advertise the green features of your events to let guests know that sustainable
practices will be used
Materials
Keep your event paperless by encouraging guests to take electronic notes and
projecting agendas/presentations. If using paper, remember to print double-sided on
recycled paper. For paperless agendas, consider using the Guidebook app.
Recycling and trash signs are posted and paired
Create reusable name tags for repeating events. Consider purchasing a reusable
nametag machine.
Offer only consumable or green-themed giveaways
Wireless internet is made available to participants
Use online evaluations/surveys
Decorations
Ask neighboring offices for decorations to share
Invest in a reusable banner
Get creative and decorate using natural elements like flowers and plants (for
centerpieces, etc. Must be ordered through the vendor, not on P-card).
Food & Beverage
Take a proper head count of guests to avoid ordering excess food
Alert internal/external vendors to the sustainable nature of your event
Serve beverages in dispensers or pitchers, rather than single use bottles
Serve food “buffet style” rather than ordering individually wrapped goods
Always try to choose reusable/washable service ware
Be sure that there are proper recycling containers with appropriate signage
Composting bins and signage are available upon request
Consider having staff monitoring the placement of materials into the correct bins
Have extra food? Donate it to local shelters. Food Recovery Network
([email protected]) can transport donations. However, food that has been catered
by Sodexo and has been sitting out in an open container cannot be donated through the
Food Recovery Network.
How to Be Healthy at Your Event
Provide at least one vegetarian option
Request low fat milk in addition to creamers for coffee 
Use low fat food options
Cut foods into appropriate sized portions
Serve pretzels, popcorn, vegetables, or fruit as a replacement for chips
Request sandwiches be served on multigrain
Offer condiments on the side (and in bulk when possible to eliminate packaging)
Sodexo’s Sustainable Campus Dining Event Options and Offerings:
For more upscale events, consider using washable plates, flatware and glasses
Replace bottled water with pitchers of water or dispensing water / beverage stations
Request beverages (water and organic juices are available), condiments, cream, sugar
and other items provided in bulk rather than individually packaged
Request organic and gluten free snack offerings in bulk - for items like trail mix, nuts,
dried fruits, vegetables, pretzels, chips or popcorn
Go organic and/or local (supporting local farmers means less energy and fossil fuels
will be expended in transportation)
Request “Out of the Box” lunches served buffet style on platters instead of in
individually wrapped containers
Use cloth table cloths and napkins or paper tablecloths made of recycled content if
possible
Use China platters and bowls in place of disposable plastic trays and bowls
Offer “lite” portions to reduce potential food waste
Questions for Outside Vendors
What types of service ware do they provide?
What happens to excess food from events?
Do they use local and organic ingredients whenever possible?
Do they use foods with trans-fats?
Do they offer off-site composting?
Can they provide single-dispense napkins and single dispense straws without
wrappers?
Check out dinegreen.com for a list of sustainable caterers in the area