Memorial Cup - Green Cup

The MasterCard Memorial Cup,

A Green Cup

greencup As part of the 2009 MasterCard Memorial Cup, the Organizing Committee, with help from the CONTACT group and Le Poids Vert, has decided to show its concern for the environment by making a significant gesture:organizing an environmentally responsible event.The organizers and partners of the MasterCard Memorial Cup are proud to announce that many efforts will be made to assure that the event respects the environment, contributes to the well-being of the community and benefits the local and regional economy. In short, for the first time in the history of the MasterCard Memorial Cup, the event will be organized with the greatest respect for the sustainable development of our society.

Currently, the average Quebecker generates about 1.15 kg of household waste every day (Recyc-Québec). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that attendees at conventions, sports events and expos each generate up to 10 kg of trash per day. As a result, holding such events generally has a relatively negative environmental impact and event organizers are increasingly looking for ways to minimize the environmental impact of these activities and increase the positive effects on the host communities. These objectives can be attained by integrating the principles of sustainable development at every stage of the event’s organization and by reducing, reusing and recycling the materials used during the event (the goal: zero waste) and by limiting and/or compensating for the greenhouse gas emissions related to holding the event (the goal: carbon neutral). Many events based on these principles have already been organized in Canada, but have rarely involved high-level sports competitions. However, the world of professional hockey has already shown that it is concerned for the environment, to the point that the NHL players announced about a year ago that they would be carbon neutral starting in the 2007-2008 season.

This desire to reduce the impact of human activities on the environment is also shared by the residents of the Lower Saint Lawrence region, who are always ready to mobilize for a healthy environment and to take part in environmentally responsible activities. Many organizations and businesses in the region have obtained environmental certification or are in the process of doing so. The City of Rimouski itself has shown a firm resolve to guide its develop in environmentally responsible and sustainable ways. The organization of eco-responsible, carbon-neutral and zero-waste events is thus in line with the country’s and the region’s concerns and priorities.

No sports events of the magnitude of the MasterCard Memorial Cup have yet been organized with an emphasis on environmental responsibility. Making the next MasterCard Memorial Cup an eco-friendly event, with the goal of being both zero waste and carbon neutral, will be a complete novelty for Major Junior Hockey and will certainly constitute a remarkable precedent in the sports world in general. In this way, this year’s MasterCard Memorial Cup will differ from previous editions and will proudly represent the Lower Saint Lawrence region. Thus, the organizers and their partners have chosen to reduce the event’s environmental impact by tangible actions and compensatory programs, as presented in the tables below.

Target	ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE MEASURES 3NF – 3RV	Specific goals	ACTIONS
Zero-waste site management	Natural products, Not packaged, Not from far away, Fair	Show that special attention has been given to this aspect.	To the extent possible, choose suppliers who already share this vision.
	Reduce waste at the source.	Reduce the amount of paper used during preparations for the event (organizing committee) and during the event itself (Colisée andvillage). Reduce the amount of disposable non-recyclable dishware used during the event itself(Colisée and village). Reduce the number of disposable water bottles used during the event itself (Colisée and village). Reduce the amount of food thrown out during the event itself (Colisée and village). Reduce the amount of waste generated when the temporary facilities and stands are set up and taken down.	Develop an email link between the committees and create a webpage for committee members on which all progress, decisions and changes can be posted. Use electronic communication whenever possible. Installprogram display panels at the main entrances to the site and to the Fan Fest and use information panels rather than leaflets (for daily schedules, upcoming events, etc.) Use hand stamps with vegetable ink as proof of paid admission instead of tickets. Use non-disposable dishes for banquets. Estimate the amounts of biodegradable cleaning products needed and supply them to the people involved. Use recyclable dishware the rest of the time. Determine how many meals will be served at banquets to estimate the dishware needs(water pitchers, milk pitchers, sugar bowls, glasses, cups, flatware, plates, napkins). Avoid pre-filling of water glasses at receptions. Call for bids to produce a promotional reusable water bottle. Make a placement map and installat water fountains; manage water logistics. Donate surplus food to regional aid organizations (Moisson Rimouski-Neigette, community kitchens). Monitor the set-up and dismantling of temporary facilities and stands.
	Recycle.	Encourage the public to participate in recycling. Recycle as much as possible of non-reusable dishware. Recycle as much as possible of the materials used for the stands.	Make a placement map and install recycling bins; provide the required logistical support (work rotation, collection strategy). Place eye-catching signage for selective collection facilities. Use recyclable dishes, except at banquets, where reusable will be used. Use recyclable cups (category 1 plastic) for beer and soda everywhere on the site. Monitor the set-up and dismantling of temporary facilities and stands.
	Reuse	Reuse paper during preparations for the event (organizing committee) and during the event itself (Colisée and village). Reuse glasses and cups as much as possible during the event itself (Colisée and village). Reuse as much as possible of the materials used for the stands.	Make sure that all documents associated with the Cup are printed on recycled paper, using two-sided printing. Put together pads of recycled/reused paper to supply to journalists and others who need them. Make a placement map and install attractive signs to encourage people to use one cup for all their drinks in the Colisée and in the verious Fan Fest tents. Monitor the set-up and dismantling of temporary facilities and stands.
	Create Value	Many actions can be taken to create value (use compostable materials, compost food wastes, identify and sort all compostable materials), but currently the residents of Rimouski do not have local access to composting facilities (although such a project is being planned). Transporting compostable materials to reach the nearest available facilities would entail environmental costs that exceed the potential benefits. As no local composting site is yet available, this option has been dropped.

Target	ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE MEASURES	Specific goals	ACTIONS
Toward a carbon-neutral event	Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.	Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using local suppliers. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to travel by players and officials. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to travel by the general public to attend the event. Avoid excess greenhouse gas emissions due to the air show during the arrival of the Cup in Rimouski.	For each committee, establish a list of local businesses to approach on a priority basis. Organize a 30-minute training session to teach shuttle drivers green driving techniques. Make a list of the desired vehicles and carefully choose the appropriate model for shuttles. Raise public awareness of green transportation and carpooling alternatives using posters and public service announcements. Promote the use of bicycles and the bike path network. Use the air show to transport the four league commissioners and to provide pilot raining. Opt for Sky Hawks instead of the Snow Birds.
Toward a carbon-neutral event	Compensation for the CO₂ emissions associated with the event.	Compensate for the CO₂ emissions due to the travel of the four participating teams. Compensate for the CO₂ emissions due to shuttle trips, if possible. Strive for compensation of CO₂ emissions associated with the event for as many people as possible.	Calculate the approximate volumes of CO₂ emissions due to various event activities. Plan the number of trees that should be planted in consequence and allow for the costs. Contact the primary and secondary schools of the RCM to organize tree-planting sessions, in collaboration with the Océanic players. Negotiate planting agreements with the City of Rimouski, the arboretum, the schools (playgrounds), the Conseil de Bassin Rivière Rimouski (river watershed council), wildlife reserves and private land owners. Raise public awareness of these practices and encourage attendees to compensate for the CO₂ emissions due to their own trips to the event.
Other	Awareness-raising,information,training	Inform, train and motivate members of the Organizing Committee and raise their awareness of environmentally responsible actions. Inform, train and motivate hockey fans who attend the event and raise their awareness of environmentally responsible actions. Inform, train and motivate the general public and raise their awareness of environmentally responsible actions. Initiate behavioral changes.	Provide awareness-raising, information, training and motivation to members of the Organizing Committee, hockey fans and the general public. Assemble a team of volunteers to form the "Green Brigade" for 10 days. Establish tasks and work rounds to be shared by the team (contact schools, environmental groups, elected officials, community groups and associations). Erect a "Green Volunteer" stand. Emphasize healthy foods, including organic products.