Sustainability initiatives – environmental quality at SETAC events

“SETAC’s mission is to support and facilitate the development of principles and practices for the protection, enhancement and management of sustainable environmental quality and ecosystem integrity.”

With this in mind we are convinced that not only we should strive towards organising sustainable events, but that SETAC, as organiser of large events, can play a role in having more sustainable products and initiatives in the meeting industry. Although the influence is sometimes limited, we think that every step is important.

A sustainable event balances environmental, social and economic responsibilities. Our objective is to organise events in a way that minimises potential impact on the environment.

When considering travelling to Dublin not only think about the ecological footprint but also on the ecological handprint, being the positive impacts of our event for a sustainable future. Networking, collaboration and working together in our committed community can make a difference, both globally for defining the actions of the future, as locally, with the impact on the local economy when bringing our congress to Dublin.

Below you will find a list of initiatives that are in place for the SETAC Europe 33rd Annual Meeting.

Destination

  • We advise all participants to take direct flights, if possible, to decrease the impact. To reduce your environmental footprint, make sure you plan additional meetings during your stay in Dublin to reduce decentralised travel during the year.
  • The congress venue, is easily reachable by bus (about 20 minutes from the airport). There are around 6000 hotel beds located within 10 minutes walking distance. All major touristic areas are within walking distance or at only a short tram ride away.

Venue

  • The congress centre, The Convention Centre Dublin (CCD), is the world’s first carbon-neutral constructed congress centre.
  • It is the CCD’s vision to become Ireland’s most sustainable venue and a leading expert in sustainable event delivery in Europe. The main ambitions to achieve this vision are:
    • eliminate single use plastics by 2023
    • be carbon neutral by 2025
    • focus on sustainable hospitality and the Irish community
  • To have an overview on all the initiatives taken by the CCD to increase their sustainability, have a look at their website: Sustainable Events | Green Venue | The Convention Centre Dublin
  • At the venue SETAC uses as much digital signage as possible.

Catering

  •  At the meeting only VEGETARIAN and VEGAN food will be served. This is the first SETAC meeting ever where no meat nor fish is consumed.
  • Seasonal, local food to reduce the impact on the environment and stimulate the local economy.
  • Where possible, Fair Trade certified products are served.
  • Organic, biodynamic food from farmers that are committed to animal welfare, MCS or ASC certified seafood.
  • Numerous initiatives to avoid food waste.
  • Mineral water is provided (please bring your own reusable bottle!).
  • Biodegradable cups and dishes are used to avoid all use of plastic.

Accommodation

  • We recommend all participants to check whether a hotel is Green Key-certified. See more at Green Key website.

Socials

  • When choosing the menus for our socials we always ask for sustainable local food.
  • We avoid using printed tickets – “socials” are printed directly on the badges.

Delegate Materials

  • We have asked our participants if they require a conference bag. 85% of the participants indicated that they want to receive one, therefore we keep them. We do not print any meeting logos so we can reuse them for future events. Bags that can not be reused for the meetings are given to local schools and/or charity organisations.
  • We have considerably reduced the number of pages of the Programme Book.
  • All meeting announcements and invitations are electronic.
  • Any eco-friendly notebook that is not used at the meeting is donated to local schools and/or charity organisations.
  • Badges are eco-friendly and the lanyards are reused at future meetings.
  • Flags and banners are reused every year.
  • We use digital signage in the congress centre.

Exhibition

  • Prior to the meeting, exhibitors will receive an e-mail encouraging them to reduce waste as much as possible, including a message of reconsidering their policy regarding gadgets, etc.
  • SETAC’s policy on sustainability will be integrated into the exhibitor’s manual.

Make a Difference

As a participant, you can also contribute to making a difference! Here are some ideas:

  • Use public transport to come to the meeting and if this is not possible, try to reduce the number of flights and use public transport for your home – airport travel
  • In Dublin, use public transport
  • Find a sustainable hotel in the area through: www.green-key.org
  • Bring your own bottle to refill with tap water
  • Use the waste bins in a correct way
  • Put your badge and lanyard in the special bins or drop them at the registration desk before leaving
  • Reuse the towel/soap in your hotel
  • ……… and so much more!

If you have any ideas on how we could improve our efforts in organising a more sustainable meeting in the future, please feel free to contact us.