Wherever possible and practical, strategies will be utilised to reduce the carbon ‘footprint’ of the event and minimise waste and consumption of resources.
Major initiatives will include predominant electronic distribution of all conference material, the minimisation of energy consumption and the use of recycled or recyclable products including name badges and signage. The inevitability of carbon regulation is real and the impact on events industry could be significant. By establishing and implementing a set of “guidelines” will reduce any future impact of such regulation and in doing so will reduce future cost increases and will positively contribute to improving the environment.
Enviro ‘08 will, wherever practical, implement the following procedures to ensure that their events will adhere to world best practice in creating sustainable events.
Catering |
Use water jugs / reusable containers rather than bottled water |
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Condiments provided in bulk instead of individual packaging |
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Caterers should have a formal sustainable practices policy |
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Consider all aspects of food wastage and possible recycling |
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Provide recycled content or compostable (non waxed paper or corn starch) food and beverage utensils, toilet paper etc. |
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Use reusable, washable cutlery, dishware, linens and decorations. If not, ensure that they can be composted. |
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Serve food items with less packaging (non waxed) |
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Seafood sourced from sustainable supplies. |
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Energy |
Reduce lighting and power – only use as needed |
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Turn off all lighting and appliances overnight in exhibition |
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Isolated air conditioning controls in each meeting room |
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Purchase “green power” from accredited provider |
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Calculate “carbon footprint” of the event and offset omissions by purchasing carbon offsets or renewable energy credits |
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Use energy efficient lighting (including LED’s) and that lighting levels are adequate and appropriate |
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Use natural lighting and cooling where possible |
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Resources |
Use electronic distribution of information and documentation where possible (reduce printing and paper use)
ie. emails, website downloads, memory cards (USB) or PDFs |
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Reduce all waste in office or administration environments |
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Use recycled and recyclable paper (minimum 50% recycled content) |
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Limiting print runs to absolute minimum requirements |
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Use double sided printing (set printers to double sided where possible) |
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Use water, organic or vegetable based inks in printing |
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Recycle or remanufacture toner and ink cartridges |
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Implement paperless office functions (eg media centre) |
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Electronic distribution of sponsors and exhibitor collateral (via USB, CD or email) |
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Encourage exhibitors to design sustainable displays with minimal waste |
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Use existing or minimalist electronic signage where possible |
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Choose hotels that have proven sustainability credentials and policies |
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Only use venues with accredited environmental policies |
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Design sets, displays and stages utilizing minimal material, trying to incorporate reused products, or products that are sustainable or certified as sustainable. |
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Use water based non-toxic paints in all displays |
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Avoid using plywood – replace with other reusable materials |
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Distribute reports, attendee lists and post event material through electronic means |
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Transport |
Limit number of committee / planning meetings that involve travel |
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Purchase carbon offsets related to travel, freight and energy utilised |
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Venue should be well serviced by public transport |
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Venue should be selected based on largest attendee base to reduce overall transport demands |
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Promote use of public transport (include details and maps to visitors) |
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Use locally sourced (and in season) food products to reduce transport component |
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Choose hotels / accommodation that are close to the venue |
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Provide shuttle options where no public transport options exist |
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Utilise service providers that are close to the venue – minimal transport |
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Waste |
Reduction of waste in administrative areas |
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Recycling and reuse of name badges, lanyards and satchels where practical |
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Reuse or recycling of all signage |
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Placement of recycling receptacles throughout the venue |
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Actively discourage littering and encourage recycling |
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Water |
Venues with water conservation policy and procedures in place
(minimization of consumption, recycling and reuse policies) |
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Carbon Offsets |
Determine the type of projects to be funded by the purchase of carbon offsets and energy credits |
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Ensure the offsets are verified or certified by an independent third party |
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Produce audit certificates of carbon offsets or credits |
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Determine the proportion of money given to the offset provider that goes towards the projects and how much is for administration and overheads. |
