Republican National Convention

2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION GOP GOES GREEN IN MINNEAPOLIS - SAINT PAUL SEPTEMBER 1-4 • MINNEAPOLIS - SAINT PAUL Overview The Republican Party is committed to making this year’s nominating convention in Minneapolis-Saint Paul the “greenest” in party history. From transportation, to venue selection, to staff workspace - the Committee on Arrangements (COA), the MSP 2008 Host Committee, and the host cities are working together to implement the best environmental practices in all aspects of planning. A greener convention will use fewer resources and leave a smaller footprint; showcase Minneapolis and Saint Paul as leaders in environmental preservation and sustainable development; and, underscore the Republican Party’s commitment to responsible stewardship of the environment. An Eco-Friendly Convention As planning for the four-day event ramps up, much is being done to ensure the 2008 Republican National Convention is a green event. • The COA and Host Committee are working to incorporate flexible-fuel and hybrid vehicles into the pool of vehicles used by the convention. • The Host Committee has developed a paperless system to recruit and register an anticipated 8,000 volunteers. • COA and Host Committee staff members are working with convention venues, including the primary sites of the Xcel Energy Center and Saint Paul RiverCentre, on ways to improve energy-efficiency. • Staff is also using the internet and alternate means of communication, rather than physical travel, to discuss planning for the convention and inspire supporters across the country. For example, the COA has launched CONVENTION iNSIDER, an interactive feature that enables supporters and others interested in the convention to submit video and text questions about planning and other aspects of the event. Visit the CONVENTION iNSIDER at www.GOPConvention2008.com/insider. Convention Planners Embrace Environmentally Friendly Solutions Minnesotans enjoy an active lifestyle and a deep appreciation for the green of their state’s natural wonders. The Minneapolis park system is a popular network of nearly 6,400 acres of land and water, including over 170 park properties throughout the city. The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center from September 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPconvention2008.com. Check out our web site at: www.GOPConvention2008.com PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION • PHONE (651) 467-2008 NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE’S COMMITTEE • WWW.GOPCONVENTION2008.COM 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION GOP GOES GREEN IN MINNEAPOLIS - SAINT PAUL SEPTEMBER 1-4 • MINNEAPOLIS - SAINT PAUL Convention Offices Go Green There are currently more than 40 COA staffers in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area who are living, dining and shopping locally, and that number will eventually grow to more than 140. Convention headquarters are eco-friendly and staffers observe the following conservation minded practices: • COA offices have been primarily furnished with recycled furnishings (desk chairs, carpet, cubicles, and file cabinets). Recycled office supplies, including paper and folders, are used whenever possible. Office climate control is eco-friendly, and automatically shuts off at 5 p.m. every day, so that energy is not wasted during off-hours. The COA’s Office of Administration is in frequent communication with building management to ensure that maintenance is carried out in the most eco-friendly way possible. Most employees live within walking distance of the COA headquarters, or utilize public transportation to travel to work. Sustainable Minneapolis - Saint Paul Minneapolis and Saint Paul are two of America’s greenest cities - and leaders in their dedication to environmental preservation and sustainable development. • Both cities made National Geographic’s Green Guide list of the 25 greenest cities in the U.S. • In 1992, Minneapolis and Saint Paul joined the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), an international network of 14 cities focused on environmental/economic transition under the Urban CO2 Reduction Project. The metropolitan area is lauded for its high percentage of renewable biomass energy, including District Energy’s wood burning biomass facility and Xcel Energy’s new combined-cycle natural gas plant. Downtown Minneapolis provides innovative benefits to its commuters including discounted or free parking for those who travel into downtown via car/vanpool; carpool matching, a guaranteed ride home program; bike racks and lockers; and, participation in a Commuter Choice Awards Program. Minneapolis and Saint Paul each feature buildings recognized for their energy efficiency and green construction, including the St. Paul Travelers Companies’ two largest campuses, Como Park, and the Minneapolis Public Library. In 2007, Saint Paul initiated a new “Sustainable Saint Paul Awards” program to honor outstanding achievements of individuals, businesses and organizations that are protecting and restoring the environment of the city. The host cities boast effective recycling, waste reduction, and litter reduction programs. Minnesota is proud of its locally grown food, much of it organic, and numerous area businesses feature local and cooperative producers and healthy alternatives. • • • • • • Eco-friendly office procedures are specifically detailed in the Staff Policy and Procedures manual. • Staff offices use power strips for electronic equipment, which can be turned off to prevent drawing power during periods when the equipment is not in use. • • News clips are distributed electronically to preserve paper and employees are encouraged to utilize two-sided printing when multi-page documents are needed. • The office recycles paper products, cans, and bottles. • • PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION • PHONE (651) 467-2008 NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE’S COMMITTEE • WWW.GOPCONVENTION2008.COM