Three out of eight Hawaiʻi Green Business awards given by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism were received by “green events” hosted at University of Hawaiʻi campuses.
“These businesses and events have gone the extra mile to demonstrate their exemplary stewardship of the environment and strong commitment to helping Hawaiʻi achieve energy independence,” said Governor David Ige.
TEDxHonolulu “Flow 2016”
Hosted at UH Mānoa, this event encouraged attendees to explore alternative transportation options, including a bike valet by KVIBE and EV Drive and Ride by Blue Planet Foundation. The event also featured locally sourced vegan food, and the food waste was sorted and composted by Sustainable Coastlines.
5th Annual Hawaiʻi Sustainability in Higher Education Summit
Hosted at UH West Oʻahu, this event explored the “Meeting of Wisdoms” between ancestral knowledge and modern science. Conference attendees participated in service learning projects at Kaʻala Farms and MAʻO Farms and an e-poster session that produced no waste. Participants enjoyed a menu that was 80 percent sourced from farms in West Oʻahu, 95 percent sourced within the State of Hawaiʻi, and 100 percent of the food waste was composted on-site.
Hawaiʻi-Germany Clean Energy Symposium
Hosted at the UH Cancer Center’s LEED Gold-certified conference facilities, this event was co-sponsored by the German American Chamber of Commerce and offered participants the opportunity to learn from the latest German innovations in energy storage, renewable generation and energy efficiency. The Nook Neighborhood Bistro provided a locally sourced luncheon and strove to achieve zero waste through source reduction management and composting of all food waste.
“We are proud to have been chosen as a partner with the University of Hawaiʻi in our efforts to bring German Clean Energy expertise to Hawaiʻi,” said German Honorary Consul Dennis Salle. “This official recognition of our collaborative efforts proves that our partnership can and will help to change Hawaiʻi’s energy landscape.”
Learn more about the Hawaiʻi Green Business program.
