b'GOING GREENFive sustainable venue options for a more eco-conscious eventby Warren HeeleyDemand for sustainability is rising, and event planners are increasingly looking for properties with services and amenities that will help make their events greener and better for the environment. CM&E is pleased to feature properties dedicated to sustainability, both through the structure itself and through more eco-conscious services. This special look at venues and their green efforts will help planners meet sustainability goals for their next event.The Niagara Falls Convention Centre NIAGARA FALLS CONVENTION CENTREis committed to sustainability and social responsibility because the Niagara Falls, ON centres actions have a significant impact on the environment and the local community. When the centre was built in 2011, it achieved LEED Silver certification set by the Canada Green Building Council. To achieve this level, buildings must meet rigorous environmental criteria including healthy indoor air quality and high energy-efficient operations. Their sustainable services include reducing single-use plastics, purchasing locally from sustainable suppliers and donating leftover food to local shelters. Other services include recycling food waste and conserving water. The centre also has guidelines to help planners make their event more sustainable.The venue has more than 200,000 sq. ft. of meeting rooms, exhibition and theatre space. The convention centre is only 300 steps from the Falls and is quite flexible with a 17,000-sq.-ft. ballroom that can be set up in eight different ways and exhibit space (80,000 sq. ft.) with retractable walls to meet most setup designs.Visit fallsconventions.com for more information on Niagara Falls Convention Centre.18 CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca'