Democrats Aim for 'Greenest' Convention in History

Aug. 21, 2008 -- Counting down to next week's convention, Democrats are hoping to leave a big mark on history and a small footprint on the environment.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi promised the "greenest, most sustainable, most successful political convention in history." From an eco-friendly convention stage complete with biodegradable balloons and signage, plans for 900-plus Democratic volunteers stationed at every Pepsi Center trash can to sort recyclable refuse, and a fleet of delegate cars powered by clean fuel converted from Coors beer -- the Democrat's green will be trying to get your attention in technicolor.

The Pepsi Center, the main hub of the convention's events, underwent a green makeover earlier this year to become the country's first sports arena to commit to going totally green. The facility, which seats 19,000 people and is home to Denver's hockey and soccer teams, has plans to operate on solar and wind energy, relying on generators only as a last resort.

Xcel Energy, an alternative electrical utility, will be coordinating wind and solar power to both the Democrats convention in Denver and the Republicans convention the following week in Minnesota.

By comparison, the Republican convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul during the first week of September will incorporate many of the same principles regarding energy conservation, hybrid vehicles and recycling programs but with more subdued advance fanfare on the topic.

Kimberly Lewis, vice president of Conferences and Events for the U.S. Green Building Council, says the awareness and visibility that come with bringing green solutions to the national stage is well worth the cost.

The ultimate goal of citywide green implementation, Lewis says, is creating an infrastructure "that can stay in place" long after the event has passed.

Her organization held its 2006 annual sustainability conference in Denver; Lewis gave the city high marks, saying "Denver has taken a huge step in trying to make changes that will help organizations in their [sustainability] efforts."