Catering

Use water jugs / reusable containers rather than bottled water

Condiments provided in bulk instead of in individual packaging

Caterers given formal sustainable practices policy

Consider all aspects of food wastage and possible recycling

Provide recycled content or compostable (non waxed paper or corn starch) food and beverage utensils, toilet paper etc.

Use reusable, washable cutlery, dishware, linens and decorations and if not possible, ensure that they can be composted

Serve food items with less or minimal packaging (non waxed)

Seafood sourced from sustainable supplies

Energy

Reduce lighting and power – use only as needed

Turn off all lighting and appliances overnight in exhibition

Isolated air conditioning controls in each meeting room

Purchase ‘green power’ from accredited provider

Calculate ‘carbon footprint’ of the event and offset omissions by purchasing carbon offsets or renewable energy credits

Use energy efficient lighting (including LED’s) and ensure that lighting levels are adequate and appropriate

Use natural lighting and cooling where possible

Resources

Use electronic distribution of information and documentation where possible (reducing printing and paper use) i.e. emails, website downloads, memory cards (USB) or PDFs

Reduce all waste in office or administration environments

Use recycled and recyclable paper (minimum 50% recycled content)

Limit print runs to absolute minimum requirements

Use double sided printing (set printers to double sided where possible)

Use water, organic or vegetable based inks in printing

Recycle or remanufacture toner and ink cartridges

Implement paperless office functions (e.g. media centre)

Electronic distribution of sponsor and exhibitor collateral (via USB, CD or email)

Abstracts and posters submitted online where possible to allow for tracking of reviewers’ comments and correspondence back to the author electronically to avoid reliance on paper

Encourage exhibitors to design sustainable displays with minimal waste

Provide posters as an online, searchable document to be viewed via a computer monitor in the exhibition hall eliminating the need for printing and laminating

Use existing or minimalist electronic signage where possible

Choose hotels that have proven sustainability credentials and policies

Only use venues with accredited environmental policies

Design sets, displays and stages utilising minimal material, trying to incorporate reused products, or products that are sustainable or certified as sustainable

Use water based non-toxic paints in all displays

Avoid using plywood – replace with other reusable materials

Distribute reports, attendee lists and post event material through electronic means

The Enviro Secretariat chooses to use 100% recycled paper, double sided printing (where possible), comingled and paper recycling and composting

Transport

Limit number of committee / planning meetings that involve travel

Limit placed on international keynote speakers to reduce long haul air travel

Hold the maximum number of related meetings during the days of the conference to reduce travel costs and related emissions over the course of the year

Purchase carbon offsets related to travel, freight and energy utilised

Venue should be well serviced by public transport

Venue should be selected based on largest attendee base to reduce overall transport demands

Promote use of public transport (include details and maps to visitors)

Use locally sourced (and in season) food products to reduce transport component

Choose hotels / accommodation that are close to the venue

Provide shuttle options where no public transport options exist

Utilise service providers that are close to the venue – minimal transport

The Enviro Secretariat is located near a public transport hub

Waste

Reduction of waste in administrative areas

Recycling and reuse of name badges, lanyards and satchels where practical

Satchels to be sourced from environmentally aware suppliers

Reuse or recycling of all signage

Prominent placement of recycling bins throughout the venue

Actively discourage delegates from littering and encourage recycling while onsite

The Enviro Secretariat chooses to carry out many internal process online, reducing paper waste and moving towards a ‘paperless’ office

Water

Venues with water conservation policy and procedures in place
(minimisation of consumption, recycling and reuse policies)

Carbon Offsets

Determine the type of projects to be funded by the purchase of carbon offsets and energy credits

Ensure the offsets are verified or certified by an independent third party

Produce audit certificates of carbon offsets or credits

Determine the proportion of money given to the offset provider that goes towards the projects and how much is for administration and overheads.