AMERICAS – The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Certification has been awarded to Tourism Toronto, which claims to be the first convention and visitors association outside of the United States to reach a new international sustainability standard.
The ASTM Certification is awarded to destinations that achieve high standards in environmentally sustainable meetings, trade shows, and conferences. Tourism Toronto has been recognised as achieving Level One certification.
“Toronto and our partners in the convention centres and hotel industry place a high premium on being leaders in sustainable meetings and events,” says President and CEO of Tourism Toronto, David Whitaker. “In a highly competitive market, achieving a prestigious certification like this can give Toronto, and more importantly our clients and guests, a meaningful advantage.”
Introduced in 2012 to provide the event planning industry with specifications for producing events in a more sustainable manner, the certification is awarded to destinations that meet rigorous standards in areas such as waste management, energy, air quality, water, procurement and community partners. The standards were created in partnership with ASTM International, an ANSI-accredited standards development organisation.
“The city has been working for many years to be an environmentally sustainable place to live, work and visit,” said Councillor Paul Ainslie, Chair of the City’s Parks and Environment Committee. “Being recognised for our achievements in this area underscores Toronto’s commitment to environmental responsibility and our success in becoming one of North America’s most sustainable cities.”
Michael Luehrs, President of Green Meeting and Industry Council, adds: “Having responsible environmental and social practices in the meeting industry is a global concern.”
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