The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario is pleased to announce the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) as the winner of the 2014 Sustainable Tourism Award. Presented at the Ontario Tourism Awards as part of the tenth annual Ontario Tourism Summit, this award recognizes organizations that have made viable and maintainable contributions to the practice and promotion of sustainable tourism in Ontario.
MTCC has been active in the promotion of its sustainability program for many years, and 2013 was certainly no exception. One of three pillars of sustainability — planet, people and profit — was successful implemented into every aspect of MTCC’s business. An all-time high rate of 89 per cent waste diversion from landfill was achieved, in addition to a 14 per cent decrease in the amount of waste and recycling produced by the organization compared to 2012. MTCC also donated, composted or recycled over two million pounds of material through its extensive waste management program in 2013, and in December became the first venue in Canada to be awarded the APEX/ASTM Level 1 Certification for Sustainable Meeting Venues.
“Green initiatives are integral to the growth and stability of Ontario’s tourism industry,” says Beth Potter, President and CEO of Tourism Industry Association of Ontario. Metro Toronto Convention Centre is leading the way for event venues to reduce waste, recycle more, and be more sustainable for future generations of tourists. Congratulations on this admirable achievement!”
MTCC hosted 105 green events in 2013, representing a 23 per cent increase from 2012 — another all-time high. The centre’s goal for its sustainability program is to eventually have every event hosted be a “green event,” and their dedication to the cause is tangible.
