Conferences Go Green

Top 10 tips for a green meeting

1. Save paper.

Using new media and electronic technology can cut down your paper use. If your meeting is a large event, create a website for it offering electronic registration and confirmation; and advertise using the web and/or email. If the meeting is internal, try using a laptop or projector to conduct the meeting instead of printing out lots of copies of agendas.

2. Reuse.

If you do feel it necessary to print off agendas try printing double sided sheets to cut down on waste. At the end of the meeting collect the agendas that people don’t need or aren’t used and use them for scrap paper or for the fax machine, which only needs one clear side. Use recycled paper wherever possible.

3. Make the most of natural light.

Use a meeting room with as much natural light as possible. Delegates concentration is improved and scarce resources are saved by not using unnecessary electricity. Always ensure lights and air-conditioning are turned off at the end of the meeting when the room is no longer in use.

4. Cut food waste.

Plan the provision of food carefully by keeping close tabs on attendance numbers and not over-providing.

5. Go to the top.

Gain management support by selling your approach to management and emphasising the range of environmental benefits, enhanced public image, and potential cost savings that result from holding green meetings. With management on board you will find it easier to achieve objectives.

6. Get your priorities straight.

Identify environmental issues that are especially significant to your organization, community, or region. Then select environmental priorities reflecting those particular issues. By using clearly defined environmental priorities you’ll be better able to achieve these objectives and evaluate their effectiveness.

7. Inform and motivate.

Make sure all staff are aware of the new policies with regards to green meetings and the potential benefits. This way they’ll be able to adopt the same approach.

8. Stay close.

Reduce distances travelled by delegates. Choose a venue that is close to as many of the attendees as possible. Where possible suggest public transport options or a shuttle service. If driving is necessary try to arrange car shares to reduce emissions.

9. Green venues.

Research venues’ environmental policies and try to choose venues and accommodation which are considerate to the environment e.g. a hotel that offers a linen reuse service. The University's environmental policy overview can be found at www.le.ac.uk/estates/property_services_enviromental_management/policy/policy.html

10. Put it on the agenda!

By adding the environment to your meeting agendas we hope it will serve as a reminder to move forward towards more responsible environmental practices each time you meet.