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Green Mission

AZA is committed to using as many environmentally responsible practices as possible and feasible for the Annual Conference. The below measures are in place and AZA is committed to carrying out these practices and encouraging all participants and attendees of the conference to do the same.

Conference Registration Materials
  • AZA prints all promotional materials on Forest Stewardship Council certified, recycled, double-sided paper, printed with vegetable oil-based inks when available.
  • All registration confirmation materials and badge previews will be emailed to attendees. Emailing a badge preview prevents the printing of multiple, incorrect badges.
  • Recycling receptacles for attendee registration badges will be located at the registration desk and at Zoo Day to collect unwanted badge holders for re-use at other conferences and meetings.
Conference Program Materials
  • Attendees are encouraged to only take one copy and dispose of in the recycle bins located throughout the convention center.
  • A mobile app will be made available, giving attendees the option to go paper-light.
  • All directional and room signage is reused by AZA from one event to another, whenever possible.
  • AZA encourages all speakers to provide their handouts or presentations to be posted on the website after the conference for Member access.
Exhibit Hall
  • All conference exhibitors and participants are strongly encouraged to use sustainable products for any promotional giveaway items.
  • Exhibitors are encouraged to participate in Lead Retrieval. Attendees will have a bar code on their registration badges, allowing exhibitors to scan their badge to acquire contact information. This will cut down on the number of business cards being distributed.
  • Any box lunch in the Exhibit Hall will be offered either without a box, or in recyclable containers or a reusable lunch bag when possible.
  • All carpet, table clothes and signage in the Exhibit Hall will be recycled or reused as much as possible.
  • Low lighting and air conditioning levels will be practiced during Exhibit Hall set up and tear down, and a schedule of conservative lighting use during non-event hours will be established.
  • Attendees are provided or encouraged to bring reusable water bottles.
Green Practices at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

Caring for the world’s biodiversity cannot be done without caring for the planet through sustainable practices. At the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, we have been certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) as following Green Practices, which is comprised by chemical management, construction, energy, fuel, purchasing, waste, water, as well as awareness and advocacy. Our sustainable practices can be seen throughout the zoo, from the elimination of single-use plastics to the presence of recycling and composting. Our Green Team is working to make our business operations more efficient and decrease our carbon footprint with potable water reduction, LEED Gold Standard Buildings, and sourcing ocean-wise fish, Fair Trade certified textiles, and achieving Bee City certification. We believe that it is through many different small actions, as well as large changes to infrastructure and policy, that we can eventually become a carbon neutral organization and make the world a wilder place.
Sustainability at the BMO Centre on Stampede Park

The sustainable principles integrated into the BMO Centre on Stampede Park expansion are multifaceted, reflecting a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. These include deliberate strategies such as purposeful use of natural lighting, exceeding the energy efficiency guidelines outlined in the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2017, and implementing indoor water reduction measures to achieve significant savings of 35 percent above the LEED v4 baseline standards.

Additionally, the expansion features underground cisterns to manage stormwater on-site, responsible landscaping practices that prioritize water conservation and biodiversity, and LED lighting to support energy savings and greenhouse gas management. Water-saving measures, including waterless urinals and dual-flush toilets will decrease overall water usage by 30 percent.

Beyond the building’s design considerations for sustainability and climate resilience, the BMO Centre on Stampede Park takes a thoughtful approach to sustainability in its operations. To address food sustainability, the Calgary Stampede partners with local groups to donate meals to those in need, underscoring the project's overall commitment to holistic sustainability practices.