April 22, 2008

Earth Day Conference Call Highlights DNCC Efforts to Create an Energy-Efficient Infrastructure, Streamline Operations and Extend the Use of Equipment and Materials

DENVER - In recognition of Earth Day, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today outlined the green technology strategies being used to make the 2008 Democratic National Convention the most environmentally sustainable and technologically advanced political convention in history.  By creating an efficient and advanced infrastructure, streamlining our operations, reducing the use of paper and extending the use of equipment and materials after the Convention has concluded, the DNCC plans to significantly reduce its carbon footprint, setting an example for similar events in the future.

"Ultimately, the nomination of a Presidential candidate and flawless logistics for delegates are at the heart of a great Convention.  But environmental sustainability is also a critical success factor and one that we are committed to attaining," said Andrea Robinson, DNCC Director of Sustainability and Greening.  "One of the most dramatic ways to reduce our carbon footprint is through cutting-edge technology - and we're making the most of that opportunity."

"Using technology to drive our sustainability goals is a forethought, not an afterthought," added Brook Colangelo, DNCC Director of Technology.  "We're combining the best approaches from the public sector with the latest technology from the private sector to ensure that scalability, flexibility and sustainability are at the heart of our technology platform."

In a conference call today for reporters, the DNCC outlined the strategies being used to make the Convention more sustainable through the smart use of innovative technology.

Strategy one: Create the most energy efficient infrastructure

The DNCC took steps early on to create an efficient infrastructure for the 2008 Convention and minimize energy consumption while conserving resources in the DNCC headquarters. The first step was to install specially designed pumps to cool the computer data center.  The DNCC invested in a special system that uses existing chilled water systems already in the building - a system that not only uses less energy but drastically reduces the need for air conditioning and virtually eliminates the need for Freon, a contributor to greenhouse gases.

Computer servers configured to use the most energy efficient voltage (220 volts vs. 110 volts) were also installed, ensuring energy efficiency improvements over traditional configurations. The DNCC has also selected energy efficient operating and software systems for employees and is standardizing power management settings on equipment throughout the organization, which can save up to 80% of the energy used on a PC.  The DNCC has also deployed laptops to all staff, a step that can save up to 50 percent energy consumption compared to desktops.  All servers, personal computers, printers and copiers used within the DNCC office are Energy-Star rated.

Additionally, the DNCC is virtualizing all Convention servers to maximize the energy efficiency of the hardware and enable the servers to support multiple programs rather than using one server for one service or application. Using this advanced technology, the DNCC reduced its initial need for servers by two-thirds.  This approach results in fewer servers using less energy and is widely accepted in the technology industry as a significant energy-savings measure.

Strategy two: Streamline operations and reduce paper

Streamlining Convention operations and reducing the amount of paper is another top priority of the DNCC. All staff members are provided with wireless-handheld devices, which incorporate all scheduling, data, voice and instant messaging communications. By defaulting to electronic working systems and using traditional methods only when needed, the amount of paper used by DNCC staff is significantly reduced. DNCC staff members are also encouraged to bring laptops to meetings, therefore reducing the need for multiple paper copies.

To reduce the amount of paper generated by and for Convention delegates, the credentials and housing processes are completely online for the first time. It is estimated that as many as 100,000 sheets of paper will be saved through the reduction of delegate mailings. 

During the Convention, electronic news and information transmission will also be used to substantially reduce many traditional "high volume" sources of paper.  These include electronic distribution of information for delegates, guests and members of the media.

Strategy three: Extending the use of equipment and materials

Following the close of the Convention, nearly all of the DNCC's electronic equipment including phones, copiers, and computers will be reused, donated or recycled, and the majority deployed within communities throughout Colorado.  Additionally, more than 43 miles of cable have been run at the DNCC Energy Star headquarters office, with an estimated additional 160 miles needed for the Pepsi Center.  After the Convention, all of this cabling will be reused or recycled.

Other steps the DNCC has taken to reduce its carbon footprint include locating its headquarters downtown at public transit hubs; hiring the first ever Director of Greening for a Democratic National Convention; requiring its Official Vehicle Provider to supply an entire fleet of fuel-efficient and alternative fuel vehicles; selecting a transportation consultant who committed to offsetting its carbon footprint; hiring a construction management firm that will use green building practices to prepare the Pepsi Center in Denver for the event; selecting an Official Carbon Advisor to help measure the Convention's carbon footprint; and offering a "Green Delegate Challenge" to encourage delegations to offset their carbon footprint from attending the Convention.