The HTA plans to set a positive example to the industry by and staging the first carbon neutral conference in the sector.

As well as using environmentally friendly resources wherever possible, the HTA is working with CO2 Balance, one of the carbon offset organisations recognised by Defra, to counteract carbon emissions not only at the event but also from delegates travelling to and from the conference venue.

“It is a complex area,” stressed conference organiser Cecilia Slinn. “But CO2 Balance has considerable expertise and experience in calculating the emissions from events such as the HTA conference.”

The calculated emissions will be offset through planting broadleaf native species such as ash and oak as part of a forestry project at Sand Martin Wood near Carlisle. Like all CO2 Balance projects, the woodland development is entirely funded by ‘offset finance’.

For 2007 the conference programme addresses the two key themes underpinning the resurgent growth in the industry: the constant need to ensure all aspects of production, retail and service operations are running as efficiently as possible, with the minimum of waste, and the increasing awareness that ‘going green’ is good not only for the environment but makes good business sense too.

‘Green Light for the Garden Industry’ gives an unprecedented opportunity to share thinking and experience with other delegates, to gain a new insight into how green issues can drive sales while using best practice to drive efficiencies and cost savings across your businesses.

The HTA Annual Dinner 2007, an integral part of the conference programme, will be held on the Monday evening at the fascinating Blue Planet Aquarium..

For those able to join with other delegates on the Sunday afternoon, a pre-conference visit is planned to the nearby Ness Botanical Gardens. An informal dinner with entertainment will also be organised for delegates staying overnight in Chester on the Sunday.

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