Sustainability at Optica Events

Our Commitment to a Greener Future

Optica recognizes the importance of safeguarding our planet for future generations. 

The professional value of networking in person with peers and colleagues is a primary benefit of an Optica Event. However, we also understand that our meetings must be managed conscientiously to minimize their environmental impact. That is why we are dedicated to integrating sustainable practices into every aspect and phase of our events — from selecting a meeting venue to the return freight shipment of equipment.

The Environmental Footprint of this Meeting

Venue Selection

We prioritize event locations with strong commitments to sustainability. Venues are routinely assessed for LEED certification (or equivalent) and host cities for their commitment to renewable energy sources and efficient waste management systems.

• ʻAlohilani Resort Waikiki Beach is dedicated to preserving Hawaii’s delicate eco-system by exploring and implementing on-property initiatives to support the sustainability of our beautiful state. Through the ongoing efforts of their partners, associates and guests, raising awareness and taking on these initiatives together have taken us one-step closer to making a positive impact in the environment for many generations to come.

• ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach announces its commitment to achieve PAS 2060 carbon neutral certification. The resort has engaged DEKRA for verification services and has partnered with the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative (HLRI) and Legacy Carbon LLC to help offset the carbon footprint of the resort. This builds upon ‘Alohilani Resort’s existing sustainability initiatives, including its commitment to plant 100,000 indigenous trees in its Legacy Forest, and its use of renewable electricity throughout the hotel. Providing a carbon-neutral experience means guests can ease their conscience while they enjoy a memorable vacation.

Travel

The selection of an event venue must include consideration of transportation options both to and within the host city. To minimize flight segments, event locations must be served by international airports that offer direct flights from major hubs in Asia, Europe and North America. Optica also assesses the availability and coverage of the host city's mass transit network.

There are so many things to see and do on O‘ahu and a variety of ways to navigate the island without a rental car to reduce your carbon footprint. Discover practical tips for exploring O‘ahu in a sustainable manner and sample travel itineraries that showcase the island’s rich array of attractions and activities.

• TheBus, O‘ahu’s public bus, is an easy and affordable way to travel around Honolulu, Waikīkī, and the whole island. Visit the website or download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. To navigate O‘ahu using TheBus, go to the website home page or the app where you’ll find Google Maps. Simply type in your starting point and destination and your route and fare will appear. You can also call TheBus at 808-848-5555 between 5:30 am and 10 pm HST and they will help you with directions.   
• Biki, Honolulu’s bikeshare program, uses a network of 1,300 bikes that enable you to travel around town. It’s easy and convenient to check out a Biki at any of the 130 solar-powered Biki Stops, ride to your destination, and dock your bike at another Biki Stop. In fact, the website and app will advise you of the nearest Biki stop, the number of available bikes, and available docks for when you want to return a bike. Simply purchase a subscription online through the Biki app  (on the Apple App Store or Google Play) or get a pass at one of the 130 stations. After your purchase, you’ll receive a temporary release code to check out a bike. Enter the code on the three-digit keypad found on the dock to the left of the bike you want. Wait for the green light and pull your bike from the dock. Start rolling and exploring Honolulu. Check out special pricing plans for visitors on the website. 
• Waikīkī Trolley provides four different hop-on and hop-off bus lines with narrated tours that enable you to experience Honolulu, Waikīkī, and the southeastern O‘ahu shore at your own pace. You can even buy multi-day passes for use on the different lines. The Pink Line is the company’s iconic double decker orange trolley that provides transportation between many of Waikīkī’s leading hotels and Ala Moana’s great shops and dining. The Red, Blue, and Green Lines’ double decker buses provide multiple stops that enable you to visit popular sites on your own. The Blue Line (Coastline/Diamond Head) travels along the dramatically beautiful East Coast known for its rugged cliffs and ocean vistas. The Red Line (Heroes and Legends) is dedicated to Hawai‘i’s culture and history, from the time of Hawai‘i’s royal past through World War II and the cultures that influence it today. The Green Line showcases some of O‘ahu’s best local dining in the Kapahulu Avenue area after taking you to Lē‘ahi (Diamond Head) and nearby sites. All tours are ADA compliant with wheelchair lifts. For the best service, Waikīkī Trolley suggests that guests start tours at stop #1 so that the staff can assist you.

Remote Participation

By leveraging technology to facilitate remote engagement, we reduce the need for air travel and associated carbon emissions.

• This congress offers an in-person meeting format with on-demand content. Individuals presenting a contributed oral talk or poster that are unable to travel to the meeting location, whether by circumstance or preference, can choose to submit a pre-recorded video of their talk. (This option is requested when submitting a paper for consideration.)
• These recordings can be viewed on demand by Technical registrants for up to 60 days after the event ends — at which point the paper and accompanying video will be available on Optica Publishing Group's platform.

Materials

The carbon footprint of an event is heavily impacted by the day-to-day choices made in its operation. Optica Event management follows sustainable meeting practices when possible, and we encourage and influence our partners to do the same. 

• Optica actively works to reduce our carbon footprint through promoting local sourcing for food and materials and offsetting unavoidable emissions through carbon offset programs.
• This meeting has prioritized the use of reusable materials whenever possible, from signage and decorations to utensils and serving ware. By minimizing single-use items, we significantly reduce our event's carbon footprint.
• Through online registration, email communications and the event app, we prioritize digital communication channels for event promotion, registration and information, reducing the need for paper materials and minimizing waste.