University of New South Wales - Venues and Events - Sustainability

Events, large or small, can use a lot of resources and create a lot of waste. Holding an event in a sustainable manner can promote your commitment to saving the environment and it can also save you money along the way.

The potential savings are huge. Consider for example hosting a conference for 950 delegates and collecting name tags at the end for reuse or using water dispensers and biodegradable cups instead of plastic water bottles.

Depending on the nature of your event, you may want a few ideas for inspiration. Here is a checklist of how UNSW can help you host a 'greener' event:

Our location

Located close to public transport and amenities

Accessible for people in wheel chairs

100% of waste recycled

Comprehensive environmental policy

Energy (including travel)

Cars discouraged (unless car-pooling) - public transport, bikes and walking encouraged

Clients encouraged to inform guests about public transport arrangements

CRT computer and video monitors have been replaced with LCD monitors, min 66% energy saving

Downlights changed from halogen and incandescent to fluorescent, min 80% energy saving

All amplifiers and speakers replaced with more energy efficient models

See the UNSW Energy Saving Action Plan (ESAP) for more details

Lighting in venues, offices, control rooms and storage rooms turned off when not in use

Catering

Winner of the 2008 UNSW Environmental Award for Sustainable Food Practices - our caterers Gastronomy (Australia) Pty Ltd:

Use seasonal food, sourced locally that is sustainably farmed and avoid "overfished" seafood

Promote animal welfare and biodiversity through their purchasing

Use fair trade coffee, tea and hot chocolate

Calculate their portions carefully and send leftovers to Sydney's underprivileged via OzHarvest

Do not recommend bottled water

Waste

Organic waste from Gastronomy's kitchens is composted where possible

Waste oils and fats (lipids) are picked up from Gastronomy and recycled as soaps

Glass, paper and aluminium cans are a ll collected, categorised and recycled

PET plastics are recycled. Polystyrene containers are returned to suppliers upon delivery where possible

Plastic cutlery, crockery and single-use small sachets are discouraged

Products are hired instead of purchased, name badges collected etc

Fluorescent globes recycled after use

Records and documents are scanned and sent or stored electronically

A minimum of 50% recycled environmentally friendly paper is used in administration

All printers are capable of double sided printing, and turned off over night.

A new British Standard, BS 8901:2007 Specification for a Sustainable Event Management System has been designed for the Events Industry in the UK but translates well to Australian audiences. A copy of the Standard is available from the UNSW Environment Unit or our office

Visit the UNSW Environment Unit website for more sustainable initiatives and information on how UNSW manages pollution prevention, waste & recycling, energy consumption, water, biodiversity, design, construction and transport.

Also check out websites like Blue Green Meetings for more tips on hosting greener meetings and events.