The document outlines the measures taken to reduce the environmental impact of IBTTA's 78th annual meeting through renewable energy and carbon offsets, emphasizing the significance of reducing carbon emissions associated with travel and energy consumption. It highlights the U.S.'s disproportionate contribution to global carbon emissions and the role of buildings and transportation in this issue. By implementing these strategies, IBTTA aims to avoid releasing approximately 127,868 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere, equating to the annual energy use of eight households.

1. The environmental impact of IBTTA's 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition will be reduced with renewable energy and carbon offsets

2. CO2Globalclimate changeFossil fuel energyconsumptionTHE PROBLEMgreenhousegassesPollutionCarbonemissions

3. DID YOU KNOW?The U.S. holds less than 5% of the world’s population but produces nearly 25% of global carbon emissions.Scientific American, September 2006

4. DID YOU KNOW?Commercial and residential buildings alone account for 80% of total electricity expenditures and the production of that electricity accounts for 39% of all CO2 emissions.US Department of Energy, 2007 Buildings Energy Data Book

5. DID YOU KNOW? Most of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with events originates from travel to and from the event.

6. Aviation is the fastest growing of all contributions to climate change. FACT: Transportation accounts for over 14% of all global greenhouse gas emissions.US Department of Energy, 20% Wind Energy by 2030

7. DID YOU KNOW?A conference participant produces greenhouse gasses equivalent to driving their car for roughly one month. USEPA 2000

8. cleanenergydevelopmentRenewable energycreditsRECscarbonreductionTools ForChangewind powerenergy efficiencyrenewablesourcesReductioningreenhouse gas emissions

9. Our Best Defense: Paired with energy efficiency enhancements, renewable energy and carbon reduction are principal tools in the fight against climate change.Fact:Over 70% of our energy comes from burning fossil fuels, yet still less than 2% comes from renewable sources.American Wind Energy Association

10. What is a carbon offset? A carbon offset is a quantified reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, often measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide, or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases.FACT: By 2012, carbon offsets generated from international programs are expected to exceed 2.7 billion metric tons.United National Framework Convention on Climate Change

11. Renewable energycreditsRECsagreener eventcarbonreductionCreating ChangecommitmenteducationattendanceoffsetReductioningreenhouse gas emissions

12. Our Total CommitmentBy balancing our environmental impact with the purchase of carbon offsets, we will help avoid up to 127,868 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions from being released into the atmosphereas a result of IBTTA's 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition.

13. IBTTA’s commitment has a similar impact as:8 average household’s yearly electricity use avoided or526 fully mature trees planted or129,160 miles not driven by an average passenger car or11 average passenger cars off the road for one year

14. Our offset purchases will benefit the following project: