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ERSA 2009 Sustainable Congress


WHAT IS A SUSTAINABLE EVENT

Idea of sustainable development with triple bottom line priorities:

• People
• Planet
• Profit

The sustainable development concept has a strong representation in corporate events industry and its planning procedures. British Standard Institute has provided the industry with Sustainable Event Standard BS 8901 that sets out the requirements for planning and managing sustainable events of all sizes and types. The main objectives of such an event are:

• reducing negative environmental footprint of the meeting,
• making a positive impact on the local society and its infrastructure,
• making the meeting cost effective.

WHAT WE WILL DO IN TERMS OF ERSA 2009 SUSTAINABLE CONGRESS

The information below is just a brief example of sustainable management issues implemented during the Congress. For more information please contact: info@meeting-designers.pl

1. REDUCED ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT:

• transport logistics during the congress – decreases CO2 emissions
• one conference venue – no need for additional transport that would increase CO2 emissions
• waste management – sets of trash bins for ’Recyclable’ and ’Non-recyclable’ materials in conference venue
• conference materials – most of them are made of recycled and recyclable materials (pens, notebooks, gifts); most of the handed out items are reusable (pen drives, backpacks)
• conference materials ‘Re-Use Programme’ – several spots where you can give away stationery and conference materials you are not going to use anymore

2. POSITIVE SOCIAL IMPACT:

• most of the suppliers are local companies – this stimulates development of local infrastructure
• each supplier declares fair terms of employment

• responsible food management – precise catering planning minimizes amount of wasted food; cooperation with local food bank conducting emergency food programme

3. PROMOTION OF THE REGION:

• several professionally planned and guided tours in Łódź and other cities of Poland – you will get the idea of what Poland is all about
• concierge services – conference staff will assist you if you need any information on how to spend your free time in Łódź and its area

4. CARBON OFFSET:

• with a small donation you can offset your carbon dioxide emission

WHAT YOU CAN DO IN TERMS OF ERSA 2009 SUSTAINABLE CONGRESS

1. Mind the Congress waste segregation system – ’Recyclable’ and ’Non-recyclable’ sets of trash bins.
2. You can give away the stationery and conference materials you are not going to need any more, so the others can use a supplementary copy or item. We will take care of any left materials afterwards. There are several well-signed stands in the conference building.
3. Make your carbon offset! Even a small donation can compensate your CO2 emissions caused by participating in the Congress – we will plant trees with the raised funds
4. Enjoy! Choose from a rich variety of places to visit in Łódź, and enjoy your free time in our city.