Show Management, the company that produces and manages the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show®, the Yacht & Brokerage Show in Miami Beach, the Palm Beach International Boat Show and the St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show®, will offset 100 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions from its electricity and fuel usage at the 2010 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show®, the largest in-water boat show in the world. These carbon offsets will prevent more than 264 tons of global carbon dioxide pollution. With this offset purchase, Show Management helped build the new Greensburg Wind Farm in Greensburg, Kan., by providing essential funding for this new renewable energy project.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show from above Photo Credit Forest Johnson
Carbon Offsets for Greensburg Wind Farm
A carbon offset is a financial instrument aimed at a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon offsets are measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e) and may represent six primary categories of greenhouse gases. One carbon offset represents the reduction of one metric ton of carbon dioxide or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases. Show Management will purchase carbon offsets to mitigate its own greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, electricity use, and other sources at the show.
Show Management is proud to be associated with Greensburg Wind Farm’s inspiring example. On May 4, 2007, a massive tornado leveled the town, destroying 95 percent of the homes and leaving a path of devastation two miles wide. In the aftermath, the residents committed to rebuilding as “the greenest town in America.” The Greensburg Wind Farm was developed in reliance on critical upfront financing from NativeEnergy, whose funding is made possible by the collective, community support of its clients and partners, including the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show®.
Greening of the Convention Center
Greater Fort LauderdaleBroward County Convention Center (Photo by George Von Kantor)
The SMG-managed Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, one of the Boat Show’s five locations, is on track to becoming certified by the U.S. Green Building Council in Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) for operations and management of an existing building.
With a commitment of up to $3 million from SMG to complete the conversion of the 600,000-square-foot Center into a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient and environmentally sound, carbon neutral building, and enthusiastic support from the Broward County Board of County Commissioners and Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Convention Center’s goal is to complete the comprehensive LEED certification process by the fourth quarter of 2011. 2010 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show® Press Release Page 2 of 3 (MORE)
The Convention Center’s focus on reducing its carbon footprint and providing maximum comfort and efficiency with optimum use of resources officially began in 2008 with the formation of its “Green Team,” which worked with Sustainable Options, LLC, Green Building Consultants, to register the Center with the U.S. Green Building Council.
The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center’s daily operations now include numerous eco-friendly preferences, from water usage to lighting and other key applications. Inside, the Center has installed low-flow toilets, faucets and dishwashers. Outside, a revamped landscape design will reduce irrigation needs by using verdant plants and trees indigenous to South Florida and less water-dependent turf grass, all of which will be irrigated by an efficient micro-drip system that uses 30 percent less water than a conventional sprinkler system.
Energy conservation for LEED Certification includes supporting renewable energy by purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) for off-site renewable wind energy systems. The Convention Center’s most recent green power purchase will help keep 20,722,187 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, which can be equated to planting 85,276 fully grown trees. The Center also has installed an automated system for temperature and lighting control, and annually recycles an estimated 150 tons of brochures, wood pallets, cardboard, carpet and padding, clear sheet plastic, plastic table cloths, lamps and bulbs, shrink wrap, twine, landscaping debris and batteries, as well as plastic bottles, glass and cans.
“The marine industry is all about appreciating and conserving the beauty and wonder of our waterways,” said Dane Graziano, senior vice president and COO of Show Management. “Supporting eco-friendly initiatives and sustainability of the earth’s natural resources is a logical priority for the Boat Show and the hundreds of industry vendors who participate each year.”
The World’s Largest Boat Show
The City of Fort Lauderdale lives up to its nickname as “Yachting Capital of the World” as host to the more than 3 million square feet of space, both on land and in water, that the Boat Show will encompass. The show’s transportation network of bus shuttles, water taxis, and riverboats ensures attendees can easily navigate the city and its expansive waterways system.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show - from above Photo Credit Forest Johnson (2)
The show spans five sites this year with exhibits ranging from yacht builders and designers to exotic cars and brokerage yachts. A wide variety of boats and sea vessels will be on display including runabouts, sportfishers, high performance boats, center consoles, cabin cruisers, express cruisers, sailing yachts, motor yachts, bowriders, catamarans, ski boats, jet boats, trawlers, inflatables, canoes, and extraordinary superyachts.
The Boat Show also will feature electronics, engines and thousands of marine products such as fishing equipment, dive gear, financing and insurance options, yachting accessories, nautical clothing, jewelry and more.
Other activities at the Boat Show include marine seminars and youth fishing clinics presented by Hook The Future, a non-profit organization. Attendees also can enjoy refreshments and live musical entertainment at the show’s floating cocktail barges and International Food Garden.
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show® takes place this year at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, the Hall of Fame Marina, the Las Olas Municipal Marina, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, and the Broward County Convention Center. 2010 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show® Press Release
Show Hours
Thursday, Oct. 28 (Prime Time Preview) 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 29 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 30 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 31 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 1 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
