XPOCares

green building initiatives

Through a program from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Smart Energy Design Assistance Center, ELITeXPO was able to have an Energy Audit performed. This audit allowed for a certified LEED AP to come in and analyze all aspects of our building, our energy and water use and day to day operations. They then were able to establish a plan to provide energy savings and life cycle cost estimates for various Energy Cost Reduction Measures with a high potential for effective implementation.

We implemented many projects from the audit, including changing out all of the operations department task lighting from halogen bulbs to 3-watt LED bulbs. We also replaced printers, copiers, scanners and fax machines with ENERGY STAR rated all-in-one units, as was suggested. More use of scanning and emailing is done now to replace most of the faxing we used to do. We also have added pallet jacks to the warehouse to eliminate as much forklift use as possible.

A second audit was performed several months later to study our improvements as well as to take advantage of new programs offered by SEDAC. We were able to replace all of the halogen light fixtures in both the South Elgin and Aurora warehouses, replaced old T12 fluorescent ballasts and bulbs, and replaced outdoor fixtures with LED fixtures. By measuring power consumption, we used the data to cut our server room power requirements significantly by moving a majority of our applications and data to the Cloud.

Eco-Friendly Exhibits

ELITeXPO offers eco-friendly options for most trade show exhibit components. From exhibits made from recycled aluminum to eco friendly flooring made from recycled rubber and plastics!

To learn more about our Green Exhibit Options, check out our Green Exhibits Guide. You can shop for an eco-friendly exhibit here: eSmart Exhibits

ELITeXPO is shipping green

The environment is something each of us has to take responsibility for. We understand that shipping and the carbon emissions it produces have a tremendous impact on the planet. In order to slow down or reverse the negative effects we have on the environment we all have to do what we can. The trade show industry is also well known for its huge amount of waste after each event. We're doing what we can to combat these issues.

ELITeXPO is proud to be an EPA's SmartWay Logistics Partner. A partnership that we have been a part of for over 10 years! The SmartWay program requires us to reduce our carbon emissions, and use as many other SmartWay certified carriers as possible.

The SmartWay Partnership is a voluntary collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the freight industry designed to increase energy efficiency while significantly reducing adverse environmental impacts. SmartWaySM partners helped to save between 3.3 and 6.6 billion gallons of fuel per year (equivalent to 150 million barrels of oil or 12 million cars off the road).

As a logistics member of the SmartWay Partnership, we agree to measure our environmental performance using the EPA’s Shipper / Logistics Performance Model, develop a three-year Action Plan to improve environmental metrics, and provide an annual report on Action Plan progress. Partners must benchmark their current freight operations, identify technologies and strategies to reduce our carbon emissions, track our emissions reductions and project future improvement.

By participating in the SmartWay Transport Partnership, ELITeXPO contributes to our nation’s efforts to secure greater energy independence, protect public health, and safeguard the environment for future generations. Heidi Maschmann, VP of Information Systems heads up ELITeXPO’s CSR program. She stated, “We must take responsibility for the impact our business has on the environment. As members of both the shipping and trade show communities, our efforts must be twice as diligent to counter the effects both industries have had on the planet for so long. We’re very committed to doing everything we can as a corporation and as individuals.”

Visit www.epa.gov/smartway/ for more information about the SmartWay Transport Partnership. For specific information on becoming a SmartWay Shipper go to www.epa.gov/smartway/become-smartway-shipper-partner.

Humanitarian Efforts

Throughout the year, our XPOCares projects include an Annual Coat Drive, a Food Drive, a Toys for Tots campaign, and a new drive collecting items for a local women's shelter. All purchases made from Amazon are done through their Smile donation program and are set to benefit Save-A-Pet, a no-kill animal shelter in Northern Illinois. The owners from ELITeXPO have also matched employee donations to the American Red Cross during hurricane relief drives.

Don't be surprised if you come to our office on Red Nose Day and see our staff wearing the red noses sold at Walgreens stores nationwide. This fundraiser helps to end child poverty in America and around the world. You can find more information about participating in this fundraiser here: Red Nose Day

Other Initiatives:

We funded the planting of nearly 10,000 trees through American Forests, a leader in planting trees for environmental restoration.

We've used tree seedlings as our trade show giveaways.

We recycle paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, old computer equipment, and aluminum from trade show exhibits.

45% of our staff works from home and several others car pool to the office.