MPI Provides Suppliers Free Access to Sustainability Tool

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) now provides free access to its Sustainability Event Measurement Tool (SEMT) to supplier organizations, a value for companies looking to proactively reach CSR-minded planners. Suppliers who upload their information to the system become part of the database event organizers around the world can search when determining the sustainability standards of venues.

“As an industry, we have a responsibility to design events that positively affect economic, social and environmental outcomes,” said Bruce MacMillan, MPI president and CEO. “Our members consider sustainability measurement an essential part of the meeting performance management process, and now suppliers have access to this valuable tool. Their inclusion will contribute to the aggregate data MPI collects in an effort to continually benchmark progress in CSR initiatives within our industry.”

New resource enhances planning, reporting, compliance for meeting professionals

The SEMT features include:

Simplified user levels (basic and advanced)
Planning questions informed by industry standards (APEX/ASTM, BS8901/ISO 20121 and the Global Reporting Initiative)
Improved graphical report generating and export capabilities
Measurement and reporting of an events water, waste, energy, paper, food and community impacts
Conversion and calculation of carbon emissions using international standards and datasets
Integration with other measurement systems such as IHG Green Engage

The SEMT, which launched in 2010, was developed by the Triple Bottom Line Alliance with a founding investment through the MPI Foundation by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), and guided by MPI’s CSR advisory council with members from Oracle, the United Nations, IHG and Microsoft and in collaboration with the Green Meeting industry Council (GMIC).

“Companies are increasing their focus on sustainability compliance in procurement, said Paul Salinger, President of the GMIC and VP of Oracle Corporation. “Meeting professionals now have a tool based on global standards to measure and report on the environment and sustainability impacts (ESI). This saves time, reduces reputational risks and increases sustainability.”