Saint Paul RiverCentre and Xcel Energy Center Rec ognized With Gold Certification for the Events Industry Council Sustainable Event Standards
By Jora Bart
Saint Paul RiverCentre and Xcel Energy Center announced today they have been recognized with a gold certification for the Events Industry Council (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards.
Formerly the APEX/ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Meeting Standards, the EIC Sustainable Event Standards were launched in September 2019 to maintain the same level of rigor while improving their ease of use and adoptability. Greater emphasis was placed on regional relevance, social justice, accessibility and diversity and inclusion.
EIC Sustainable Event Standards Gold certification is the second highest rating under Platinum. Gold level is achieved by obtaining 74 points or more on a 92-point scale, along with 13 prerequisites. Saint Paul RiverCentre and Xcel Energy Center received all the available points in the categories of air quality, community and communication, and nearly all in the categories of supply chain management and energy management.
“Being recognized by the EIC with a Gold certification for their Sustainable Event Standards has given us the reassurance that our work to-date has been in line with industry best practices, as well as insight into where we can improve,” said Saint Paul RiverCentre Vice President and General Manager Jim Ibister. “We want to thank Progressive Associates for supporting us in our sustainability journey and helping us to achieve this milestone accomplishment.”
The standards include seven assessment categories in core sectors of the events industry related to sustainability in the areas of environmental and social responsibility. They collectively establish the framework that event organizers and suppliers should follow when incorporating sustainability initiatives at their events and in their operations. In addition to this overarching structure, event organizers and suppliers are assessed on sector-specific criteria. As such, events and suppliers are recognized separately according to their achievement of these criteria.
EVENTS INDUSTRY COUNCIL The Events Industry Council’s more than 30 member organizations represent over 103,500 individuals and 19,500 firms and properties involved in the events industry. The Events Industry Council promotes high standards and professionalism in the events industry with the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program and signature program initiatives. The CMP credential is recognized globally as the badge of excellence in the events industry. The qualifications for certification are based on professional experience, education and a rigorous exam. The four signature programs – Sustainability, Industry Insights, Knowledge and Leadership – represent the key initiatives, assets, services and products for the Events Industry Council. Learn more at eventscouncil.org.