Environmental Policy

Ozwater '09 will apply proven sustainable practices to all aspects of the event including energy, waste, resources, transport, catering and water.

Wherever possible and practical, strategies will be utilised to reduce the carbon ‘footprint’ of the event and minimise waste and consumption of resources.

Major initiatives will include predominant electronic distribution of all conference material, the minimisation of energy consumption and the use of recycled or recyclable products including name badges and signage. The inevitability of carbon regulation is real and the impact on events industry could be significant. By establishing and implementing a set of “guidelines” will reduce any future impact of such regulation and in doing so will reduce future cost increases and will positively contribute to improving the environment.

The over-riding environmental policy for Ozwater '09 is to
REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE!

Ozwater '09 will, wherever practical, implement the following procedures to ensure that their events will adhere to world best practice in creating sustainable events.

Catering	Use water jugs / reusable containers rather than bottled water
	Condiments provided in bulk instead of individual packaging
	Caterers should have a formal sustainable practices policy
	Consider all aspects of food wastage and possible recycling
	Provide recycled content or compostable (non waxed paper or corn starch) food and beverage utensils, toilet paper etc.
	Use reusable, washable cutlery, dishware, linens and decorations. If not, ensure that they can be composted.
	Serve food items with less packaging (non waxed)
	Seafood sourced from sustainable supplies.

Energy	Reduce lighting and power – only use as needed
	Turn off all lighting and appliances overnight in exhibition
	Isolated air conditioning controls in each meeting room
	Purchase “green power” from accredited provider
	Calculate “carbon footprint” of the event and offset omissions by purchasing carbon offsets or renewable energy credits
	Use energy efficient lighting (including LED’s) and that lighting levels are adequate and appropriate
	Use natural lighting and cooling where possible

Resources	Use electronic distribution of information and documentation where possible (reduce printing and paper use) ie. emails, website downloads, memory cards (USB) or PDFs
	Reduce all waste in office or administration environments
	Use recycled and recyclable paper (minimum 50% recycled content)
	Limiting print runs to absolute minimum requirements
	Use double sided printing (set printers to double sided where possible)
	Use water, organic or vegetable based inks in printing
	Recycle or remanufacture toner and ink cartridges
	Implement paperless office functions (eg media centre)
	Electronic distribution of sponsors and exhibitor collateral (via USB, CD or email)
	Encourage exhibitors to design sustainable displays with minimal waste
	Use existing or minimalist electronic signage where possible
	Choose hotels that have proven sustainability credentials and policies
	Only use venues with accredited environmental policies
	Design sets, displays and stages utilizing minimal material, trying to incorporate reused products, or products that are sustainable or certified as sustainable.
	Use water based non-toxic paints in all displays
	Avoid using plywood – replace with other reusable materials
	Distribute reports, attendee lists and post event material through electronic means

Transport	Limit number of committee / planning meetings that involve travel
	Purchase carbon offsets related to travel, freight and energy utilised
	Venue should be well serviced by public transport
	Venue should be selected based on largest attendee base to reduce overall transport demands
	Promote use of public transport (include details and maps to visitors)
	Use locally sourced (and in season) food products to reduce transport component
	Choose hotels / accommodation that are close to the venue
	Provide shuttle options where no public transport options exist
	Utilise service providers that are close to the venue – minimal transport

Waste	Reduction of waste in administrative areas
	Recycling and reuse of name badges, lanyards and satchels where practical
	Reuse or recycling of all signage
	Placement of recycling receptacles throughout the venue
	Actively discourage littering and encourage recycling

Water	Venues with water conservation policy and procedures in place (minimization of consumption, recycling and reuse policies)

Carbon Offsets	Determine the type of projects to be funded by the purchase of carbon offsets and energy credits
	Ensure the offsets are verified or certified by an independent third party
	Produce audit certificates of carbon offsets or credits
	Determine the proportion of money given to the offset provider that goes towards the projects and how much is for administration and overheads.

ozwater '09

Environmental Policy