At CHI, we are committed to creating an event that is not only educational and informative, but also sustainable. We understand the importance of taking care of our planet and strive to minimize our environmental impact.
On this page, you will find information about the sustainability measures we have implemented for the conference, as well as tips for attendees on how to be sustainable during the event. We appreciate your support in helping us create a more sustainable CHI conference and encourage you to take an active role in reducing your own environmental impact.
SIGCHI Sustainability Committee
Did you know? Since April 2022 there is a SIGCHI Sustainability Committee. Their vision is to…
🌍 significantly reduce all environmental costs of the conferences that SIGCHI supports
🌍 promote sustainability at SIGCHI events by developing policies and guidelines
🌍 mitigate the local socio-ecological impacts of global HCI activities and propose offsetting measures
🌍 embed sustainability as a foundational value of HCI research, design, practice, and education
🌍 work on ethically sustainable research guidelines and sustainable HCI curricula
The Conference Center
The Honolulu Convention Center is a LEED v4 Gold Certified Building. The venue received this certification in 2018 and is the first and only convention center to achieve this certification in the US. The certification was renewed in 2021.
Some of the sustainable initiatives at the Hawaii Convention Center include:
- A rooftop sail directs Hawaiʻi’s trade winds, which circulate throughout the building, minimizing the need for air conditioning
- Low-flow aerators are used in sinks, showers, toilets, and urinals throughout the building to conserve water
- The convention center has diverted 46% of total waste to recycling
- Used electronics, such as computers, monitors, and keyboards, are recycled through a local service that repurposes or recycles equipment
- The convention center encourages local procurement where possible, reducing shipping and packaging needs
- Food and Beverage buys from local suppliers and producers
- Food that is prepared but not served is donated to Aloha Harvest, where it is distributed to local charitable organizations
- Food waste is used locally to create animal feed
You can read more about sustainability efforts at Hawaiʻi Convention Center here: https://www.meethawaii.com/convention-center/about/green-initiatives/
Transportation in Honolulu
🚲 Biki
Honolulu’s Bike share program, Biki, is managed by the nonprofit Bikeshare Hawaii. The organization works to offer alternative healthy and environmentally friendly transportation options. The Hawai’i Convention Center hosts a Biki stop with 15 bikes which will be available to conference attendees. There are three subscription options for visitors:
- $4.50 for a one way trip under 30 minutes
- $12 unlimited number of 30 minute rides for 24 hours
- $30 for 300 minutes of biking to be used in one year
If you are interested in taking advantage of this program, visit gobiki.org to sign up and purchase a pass before heading to the Biki stop
🚌 TheBus
The island of Oahu’s public transit system is TheBus, and covers most of the island. Most buses are equipped with bike racks and have handicapped access. Public transit in Oahu is known to be pretty reliable and easy to use.
TheBus offers the following fare options:
- Adults: $3.00 one way, 1 free transfer
- Students: $1.50 one way
- Seniors and persons with disabilities: $1.25 one way
- Children under the age of 5 ride free when accompanied by a paying passenger
- 7-day visitor pass: $30, can be found at TheBus Pass Office and at all ABC stores in Waikiki
Daily fares cap at $7.50 for adults, $3.75 for youth, and $3 for seniors, medicare, and disability. After you spend the daily fare cap, you are able to ride the bus for the rest of the day for free.
Passengers can pay bus fare in cash or use a HOLO smart card. HOLO cards cost $2.00 and can be purchased at participating stores (7-Eleven, ABC Stores, Foodland Supermarket, Palama Supermarket, and TIMES Supermarket). The closest participating store to the venue is 7-Eleven, Ena Road (1901 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815), which is a five-minute walk from the venue. HOLO cards can be reloaded online or at participating stores (7-eleven, Foodland Supermarket, Palama Supermarket, and TIMES Supermarket).
Routes 19 and 20 can take you from the airport to Waikiki and resort area, with stops at nearly every block in that area. Please note that there are luggage restrictions on TheBus — passengers must be able to stow luggage under the seat or on their laps. Bus 22 is called BeachBus, which you can ride to get to popular snorkeling spot Hanauma Bay, Koko Head Hike, Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, and Sea Life Park. Finally Route 52 circles the full island, providing access to some of the more remote beaches, but the ride is often slow and crowded.