Sustainability Commitments

Together with the host venue we will aim to run CHAC Conferences as sustainably as possible, and we will actively work together to minimize the environmental and social impacts of our conferences through the following actions:

 

  1. Sustainable Venue Selection: For the CHAC 2024 conference we are committed to use the Cresta Hotels which prioritize sustainability, utilizing energy-efficient systems such as lights and aircons that are automatically switched on and off with a key card. This will help conserve energy when the rooms are not occupied.
  2. Waste Reduction: Our goal is to minimize waste at the conference by implementing a comprehensive recycling program and by reducing single-use plastics.
    1. Recycling points in colour coded bins will be available around the venue. We will ask delegates to ensure that they return their badges and any unwanted materials so we can reuse and recycle these items.
    2. We avoid using plastic bottled water where possible. All delegates will receive a sustainable re-usable cup/bottle, which can be refilled with clean borehole water at water fountains/dispensers and glass bottles, which are available across the venue.
  3. Local Sourcing: Our venue will source food and materials from local suppliers to reduce our carbon footprint and support the local economy. CHAC promotes the use of seasonal food and local food suppliers.
  4. Sustainable Catering: Our catering services will include plant-based options and organic ingredients, promoting health and sustainability. All catering will be served using non-disposable crockery and cutlery.
  5. Digital Materials: We will provide most of the conference materials digitally and encourage participants to access resources online (e.g. the conference programme is available via a mobile App) to reduce paper waste. Where practical, we will further reduce the use of paper and printing connected to the conference by putting marketing materials and registration online. Our website is interactive to help minimise conference literature.
  6. Transportation Initiatives: We encourage the use of carpooling, through Infinite Travel Destinations. All delegates arriving at the same time will be transported to their destination at a discounted price. All sponsored participants will be travelling in economy classes to reduce emissions from flights.
  7. Carbon measurements and offsetting: We will calculate the carbon emissions generated by the conference and its participants, which will be used to create awareness, and to be used for planning in reducing emissions of future conferences. Carbon off-setting activities, such as tree-planting (depending on available resources) can be implemented.
  8. Feedback and Improvement: We commit to gathering feedback on our sustainability efforts and continuously improving our practices for future events.