Our Commitment

The Digestive Health Centre Forum is committed to integrating sustainable practices across the planning and delivery of our event. Through thoughtful decision-making, collaboration with our venue partners, and engagement with sponsors and attendees, we aim to reduce environmental impact while maintaining a high-quality experience.

A Responsible Venue

DHC Forum 2026 is hosted at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, a venue with established environmental practices and certifications.

  • The venue is LEED® Gold certified, recognizing its adherence to sustainable building standards. 
  • Energy-efficient systems, water-saving fixtures, and sensor-based lighting are implemented throughout the property.
  • Waste reduction, recycling programs, and environmentally responsible operations are integrated into hotel operations.

These existing practices support the Forum’s goal of working within environments that prioritize resource efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Waste Reduction & Recycling

We are working closely with the venue to support responsible waste management practices throughout the Forum.

  • Recycling bins will be clearly labeled and accessible across meeting and exhibit spaces.
  • Waste is sorted into recyclable and organic streams as part of the venue’s operational practices. 
  • Event materials are selected with waste minimization in mind.

Sustainable Catering Practices

Catering decisions are made help minimize waste and aligned with the venue’s sustainability approach.

  • Efforts include reducing single-use items and offering reusable or lower-impact serviceware. 
  • Venue initiatives such as digital menus, water service solutions, and reduced material use help minimize waste. 
  • Food waste is managed through structured diversion programs where available.

Supporting Community & Food Recovery

The venue partners with Vancouver Food Runners, a local organization focused on redirecting surplus food to community partners.

  • Since 2021, over 500,000 pounds of surplus food have been redirected from landfill. 
  • This initiative contributes to reducing food waste while supporting food security in the local community.

Engaging Industry Partners

Sustainability is a shared effort. DHC Forum works with sponsors and industry partners to encourage responsible practices:

  • Sponsors are invited to share their sustainability initiatives with attendees.
  • Digital-first engagement is encouraged to reduce printed materials and giveaways.
  • Collaborative approaches help align event stakeholders toward more sustainable outcomes.

Reducing Print & Promoting Digital Engagement

DHC Forum is designed as a paperless event wherever possible.

  • No printed program materials are produced; all content is accessible via the Forum mobile app.
  • Event communications, schedules, and updates are delivered digitally to reduce paper usage.
  • Sponsors and exhibitors are encouraged to use digital assets and QR codes in place of printed brochures.

This approach reduces waste and supports a more flexible and accessible attendee experience.

Continuous Improvement

We recognize that sustainability is an ongoing process. The DHC Forum team continues to explore opportunities to strengthen environmental practices, including:

  • Reviewing venue and supplier sustainability initiatives
  • Expanding waste reduction strategies
  • Enhancing digital engagement tools
  • Encouraging sustainable participation from all attendees

 

We encourage all attendees, partners, and sponsors to support these efforts and help us reduce the environmental impact of DHC Forum 2026.