Three things every green meeting needs

The Hub is the nation's only privately-owned LEED-certified meeting facility in the nation. We've learned a few things about going green, but we took key steps before embarking on our mission to go--and stay--green.
It wasn't much different from planning a green meeting. The APEX standards are out, but here are the top three things any meeting planner who wants to execute a green event should have.

1. A priority list: Make sure that you've written out both your desires and your expectations, from soup to nuts. It sounds obvious, but it's not always so: If the facility at which you are hosting your meeting donates food and beverage leftovers but only provides water in plastic bottles, will that be a deal breaker for you? You need to know ahead of time which parts of a green meeting are most important. Every little bit helps, but not every facility will be able to provide everything. 
2. Buy-in from all of the key players: If you're committed to planning green meetings, you will need a strong narrative thread that runs all the way through, from your client's end to your end. Make sure everyone on both teams understands not only the how of a green event, but also the why. Don't let anyone go into this blindly. 
3. A clear understanding of the facility's capabilities: This one's a no-brainer. You can't say you're going to plan a green meeting and not know what you're working with. 

Start here, and you won't go wrong.
What about everyone else? Do you have planning tips for laying the groundwork of a green meeting?