CIT Magazine

COP15, The United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, opened today bringing together leaders from across the world to discuss climate change. But will delegates entering the event notice a tangible difference as the team on-site, behind the scenes and the hundreds involved in the planning stages attempt to over-haul standard conference practise and showcase a sustainable event?

I'd be lying if I said the conference is paper-free. And the suppliers in the exhibition areas aren't just touting USB sticks. But on Day One, credit must go to the Bella Center for its ambitious and swift carbon reduction plan which sees the venue reduce its carbon emissions by 20% in 2009. The convention centre truly has turned talk into action - let's hope the higher-profile delegates at this event are committed enough to do the same.

Yasmin Arrigo, editor, C&IT 

As the glare of the international spotlight shines on Copenhagen as COP15 begins, meeting professionals will be watching in earnest to see how the Bella Center has equipped itself to cope with not only the demands of an international summit, but also one with climate change at the heart of its agenda.

And as Gordon Brown, Barack Obama and pals gather to discuss carbon reduction, the Danish capital has pulled out the stops to showcase itself as a model of sustainability and the Bella Center has adopted a slew of green initiatives to match the conference's content.

But will it be enough to combat the criticism already being levelled at a number of the conference's higher profile delegates - whose use of private charters, jets and limos leave a darker shadow on the green streets of Copenhagen?

Yasmin Arrigo, editor, C&IT